Paddlefish Run Going Strong

By BRENDA LUTHY World Correspondent

MIAMI, Okla. — Fishermen of all ages gather side-by-side at this time of year at Miami’s Riverview Park to partake in the unique and challenging sport of snagging paddlefish.

These prehistoric fish — more commonly called spoonbill catfish – - fall prey to many anglers as the fish trek north on their annual spawning migration.

Deemed one of Oklahoma’s most unique fish species, they begin their journeys at the far upper end of several big lakes in early spring. But the fish particularly thrive in the Neosho River system and Grand Lake.

As temperatures rise and spring rains move into the rivers, paddlefish begin moving upstream to spawn.

With the potential of growing to over six feet and weighing over 100 pounds, paddlefish feed on algae and zooplankton (microscopic insects) from the water by swimming slowly with their gaping mouths open.

Paddlefish spawn from March through May, when the water temperature reaches the 55 to 60 degree range. Spawning activity is usually associated with periods of heavy flows in the major river systems and that’s exactly what has happened across most of northeastern Oklaho ma in the past several weeks.

Early growth is rapid, as fish reach 10 to 14 inches during their first year and 21 to 24 inches in their second and third years.

The largest fish are always females, some of which may reach age 60 — if they can avoid the legions of snaggers who seek them each spring.

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