Get Your Snag On! Paddlefish Season Makes a Splash Near Williston, North Dakota

Starting tomorrow, May 1, one of North Dakota’s most uniquely exciting traditions kicks off—paddlefish snagging season! If you’ve never laid eyes on a paddlefish before, picture something between a swordfish and a vacuum cleaner with fins—ancient, odd-looking, and the stuff of fish tales for generations.

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One of the most popular hot spots for this annual event is the Confluence Campground, where the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers meet. And when I say “popular,” I mean expect a crowd—because nothing says springtime in North Dakota like shoulder-to-shoulder fishing lines and the smell of sunscreen mixed with campfire smoke.

But before you head out with your snagging gear, here are a few things to remember to keep the peace courtesy of the Williams County Sheriff's Department.

No parking on 39th Ln NW—that canal road is off-limits. Think of it as the paddlefish’s personal runway.
Green means go! The green areas on the map are approved for both camping and parking.
Purple means park it—but don’t pitch it. Camping isn’t allowed in purple zones.
Need a spot to crash? Check out Fort Buford Campground, Ryder Point, Neu’s Point, or Pumphouse for more camping options.

Also, a friendly reminder: don’t trespass. That tempting piece of land might look like a perfect fishing spot, but if it’s private, it’s a paddling (of the metaphorical kind) waiting to happen.

Snagging is legal from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT between May 1 and May 21. You’ll need a paddlefish tag and a valid fishing license—and don’t mix up the days:
Harvest-only: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Snag-and-release: Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays

For more info (and to avoid a hefty fine), swim on over to the ND Game & Fish website.

Happy snagging, and may your fish stories this season be just as big as the paddlefish themselves!