The paddlefish season in Montana is a big deal for anglers, drawing folks from all over to snag these prehistoric giants from the state’s iconic rivers. For 2025, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has rolled out some major changes to the paddlefish regulations, aiming to balance fishing fun with protecting the fishery for the long haul. These updates, along with the season’s opening dates and tag system tweaks, have sparked a mix of excitement and debate among anglers. Here’s a deep dive into what’s new, what’s at stake, and what anglers need to know to make the most of the 2025 paddlefish season.
New Rules for a Sustainable Fishery
Montana’s paddlefish season has always been about chasing a unique fish that looks like it swam straight out of the Jurassic era. But with growing pressure on paddlefish populations, FWP has introduced some strict new rules for 2025 to keep the fishery healthy. One of the biggest changes is the requirement for barbless hooks or hooks with pinched-down barbs. This rule applies to all snagging, whether you’re harvesting a fish or practicing catch-and-release. Anglers are also limited to using just one treble hook per line for snagging rigs, a move designed to reduce harm to paddlefish during the fight.
Another headline-grabbing change is the ban on forward-facing sonar for paddlefishing. This technology, which gives anglers a real-time view of fish ahead of the boat, has been deemed too effective, potentially giving an unfair edge and putting extra pressure on paddlefish stocks. However, anglers can still use side-imaging sonar, down-imaging sonar, and traditional 2D sonar to help locate these elusive creatures. The sonar ban has stirred some grumbling among tech-savvy anglers who rely on cutting-edge gear, but FWP insists it’s a necessary step to protect the species.
Tag System Overhaul: Yellow, Green, Blue, and White
The tag system for paddlefish fishing has also gotten a makeover for 2025, and it’s a lot to wrap your head around. Anglers now have four tag options to choose from, each tied to specific areas and rules:
- Yellow Tag: Valid for the lower Yellowstone River, this tag is part of a shared 1,000-fish harvest quota with the green tag area. The season kicks off on May 15, but the first day is catch-and-release only. Harvesting starts the next day, May 16, with Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday designated as harvest days. Sunday, Monday, and Thursday are strictly catch-and-release days, and only at the Intake Fishing Access Site near Glendive.
- Green Tag: This is a new addition for 2025, covering the Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck Dam. Unlike the yellow tag area, there’s no catch-and-release allowed here—snagging is harvest-only, seven days a week, as long as you have an unused green tag. The season also starts on May 15 and runs through June 15, or earlier if the 1,000-fish quota is met.
- Blue Archery Tag: This tag, now available only as an E-tag (meaning it’s digital-only through the MyFWP app), is for the archery-only season at the Fort Peck Dredge Cut, running from July 1 to August 31. Archery paddlefishing is a niche pursuit, but it’s a thrilling challenge for those who trade rods for bows.
- White Tag: This tag, used for the Upper Missouri River between Fort Peck Dam and Fort Benton, remains unchanged for 2025. The season runs from May 1 to June 15, with 1,000 tags available through a drawing. Anglers who don’t score a harvest tag can still buy a snag-and-release license for this area.
The introduction of the green tag has been a hot topic, as it opens up new snagging opportunities on the Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam. But with the shared 1,000-fish quota for yellow and green tags, anglers are keeping a close eye on harvest rates, knowing the season could close early if the limit is reached.
Harvest Reporting: Stricter Rules, More Flexibility
Reporting a paddlefish harvest is a must, and FWP has tightened up the process while also offering some leeway for 2025. Anglers with yellow or green tags need to report their harvest before transporting the fish or by 9 p.m. on the day of harvest, using either the phone hotline (1-877-FWP-WILD or 406-444-0356) or the MyFWP app. Self-check stations at places like Sidney Bridge, Powder River Depot, and Tongue-Yellowstone Confluence are for submitting biological data (like jaw sections) only, not for harvest reporting.
Here’s the new twist: if you’re out in the wilds without cell service, you’ve got 48 hours to report your harvest once you’re back in range. This change is a nod to anglers fishing in remote areas, where spotty reception can make immediate reporting a hassle. However, FWP is clear that this flexibility doesn’t excuse failing to report—anglers still need to follow through promptly.
Season Dates and Harvest Targets
The 2025 paddlefish season has clear start and end dates, but the harvest target adds an element of uncertainty. For yellow and green tag areas, the season runs from May 15 to June 15, but it could wrap up sooner if the 1,000-fish quota is hit. FWP will post weekly harvest updates on their Region 7 Facebook page and through the Miles City office (406-234-0900), so anglers need to stay in the loop to avoid getting caught off guard by an early closure. The white tag season on the Upper Missouri River runs from May 1 to June 15, with its own 1,000-tag limit, and the blue archery tag season stretches from July 1 to August 31.
The shared quota for yellow and green tags has raised some eyebrows, as heavy fishing pressure in one area could shorten the season for both. Last year, the yellow tag season on the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers downstream of Fort Peck hit its 1,000-fish mark by June 30, and FWP expects similar pressure in 2025. Anglers are urged to check updates regularly to plan their trips.
Why These Changes Matter
Paddlefish are a unique species, with their long, spoon-shaped snouts and ancient lineage. They’re also a slow-growing fish, taking years to reach maturity, which makes sustainable management crucial. FWP’s 2025 regulations aim to curb overfishing while still letting anglers enjoy the thrill of the chase. The barbless hook rule and sonar ban are designed to reduce stress on paddlefish, especially during catch-and-release days, while the tag system changes aim to spread out fishing pressure across different areas.
But not everyone’s thrilled. Some anglers argue the sonar ban limits their ability to find paddlefish in deep or murky waters, while others see the green tag as a welcome chance to explore new fishing grounds. The debate reflects the tricky balance between conservation and recreation, a theme that runs through many of Montana’s fishing regulations. For example, recent changes to bull trout fishing in the Flathead River system and hoot-owl restrictions on rivers like the Madison and Jefferson show FWP’s broader push to protect fish populations under stress from low water flows and warm temperatures.
Tips for a Successful 2025 Season
For anglers gearing up for the 2025 paddlefish season, preparation is key. Here’s what you need to do:
- Read the Regulations: FWP stresses that anglers must review the 2025 fishing regulations, especially the paddlefish section, before buying tags. The FWP website has detailed info, including maps of fishing areas and tag rules.
- Get Your Tags Early: Yellow and green tags are tied to a shared quota, so don’t wait until the last minute. White tag applications for the Upper Missouri River were due by March 22, 2025, but snag-and-release licenses are available throughout the season.
- Check Your Gear: Make sure your snagging rigs have barbless or pinched-barb treble hooks—inspectors will be checking. And leave the forward-facing sonar at home to avoid a citation.
- Plan for Reporting: Download the MyFWP app or save the hotline number to report harvests quickly. If you’re fishing in a dead zone, keep track of when you’re back in service to meet the 48-hour reporting window.
- Stay Updated: Follow FWP’s Region 7 Facebook page or call the Miles City office for weekly harvest updates, especially if you’re fishing with a yellow or green tag.
The Bigger Picture
Montana’s paddlefish season isn’t just about landing a trophy fish—it’s about connecting with a species that’s been around for millions of years. The 2025 changes show FWP’s commitment to keeping this fishery alive for future generations, even if it means tougher rules and new restrictions. For anglers, it’s a chance to test their skills, adapt to new challenges, and maybe even spark a friendly debate at the boat ramp about sonar or barbless hooks.
Whether you’re a seasoned paddlefish angler or a first-timer, the 2025 season promises plenty of action on the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. Just make sure you’re ready for the new rules, have your tags in hand, and keep an eye on that harvest quota. With a little planning, you could be hauling in one of Montana’s most iconic fish—or at least have a great story to tell.
