Paddlefish season in Iowa begins this Sunday, March 1st on the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers. Iowa residents can no long apply for licenses or paddlefish tags. Those who are eligible for the season are required to follow the slot limit, according to Fisheries Management Biologist, Van Sterner.

Sterner says some of the fish may have a tag in their lower jaw very similar to those seen on waterfowl. Those who snag a tagged fish are asked to report it to the Department of Natural Resources to help track and research the population.

He says the department is hoping to increase the interest in paddlefish snagging in the future.

The season opens March 1st and will continue through April 15th.