North Dakota Paddlefish Snagging Season Open

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's annual paddlefish snagging season is open.

The season began Monday and is scheduled to run through the month of May, but the state Game and Fish Department can close it early if the 1,000-fish cap is reached, and that usually happens. Last year marked the 13th time in 15 years that the season was closed early.

Snagging is legal in all areas of the Yellowstone River in northwestern North Dakota, and in most of the Missouri River west of the U.S. Highway 85 bridge to the Montana border. A paddlefish tag and a valid fishing license are required.

Paddlefish snagged on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays must be released. Paddlefish snagged on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays must be harvested.