One of the changes in regulations for the paddlefish season this year in western Iowa is the lifting of the restrictions that allows you to keep so-called rough fish that are snagged in the process. Fisheries biologist Ryan Hupfeld says the surveys they took following the paddlefish season singled out one particular fish. “We got a lot of comments saying that people wanted to harvest Asian carp — an invasive species — so we should utilize that resource as well, so we opened up the harvest for them.” Hupfeld says.

Paddlefish feed on plankton at the bottom of the river and are caught by snagging them on a treble hook. Asian carp are caught on the same hooks and now they can be kept. Hupfeld says it should be a positive thing. “Asian carp are having a lot of negative impacts on our fish populations, especially with paddlefish because they are feeding on the same food resource,” Hupfeld says.

He says allowing the taking of the Asian carp in the paddlefish season could help cut their populations. “If we can promote harvest on Asian carp and reduce their numbers and hopefully create a commercial market for them then we can hopefully manage their populations to a certain extent,” Hupfeld says. “Asian carp is actually very good to eat, so I would suggest anglers get out there and harvest some of these fish and try them.”

You have until January 7th to buy a paddlefishing license. The season on the Big Sioux and Missouri River opens February 4th and runs through April 30th. A resident paddlefish license sells for 22 dollars and you must have a valid Iowa fishing license to buy the special license.

(Radio Iowa)