Missouri’s official state aquatic animal is a giant, prehistoric fish whose ancestors swam during the time of dinosaurs. Snaggers across the state were excited yesterday as Missouri’s annual spring paddlefish season got strated.
Major paddlefish waters include – Lake of the Ozarks, Harry S. Truman Reservoir, and Table Rock Lake – along with most other waters in Missouri runs March 15 through April 30. The season for the Mississippi River is March 15 through May 15 with a fall season of Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.
Paddlefish, named for their large, paddle-shaped snouts, can grow to seven feet and weight more than 100 pounds.