Paddlefish anglers planning to harvest a fish in the Upper Missouri River (from Fort Peck Dam to Fort Benton) need to apply for an Upper Missouri River Paddlefish Tag. Applications for this drawing can be made by mail, online at fwp.mt.gov, or by stopping by any regional or area FWP offices. Applications must be received by March 31, 2016.

This regulation change was approved by the FWP Commission in 2015, and was in response to crowding that has occurred annually since 2007 when FWP implemented the 500 fish harvest cap for the Upper Missouri River.

For 2016, a total of 750 tags will be available for the drawing. Anglers should receive their tags in early April. Successful applicants may harvest a fish anytime during the season, from May 1 through June 15. Those anglers not successful in drawing a harvest tag will be issued a snag and release license. Anglers, both resident and nonresident, are required to purchase a fishing and conservation license prior to submitting their applications. Party applications (up to five anglers) are available and encouraged.

Additionally, anglers that did not participate in the tag drawing that want to participate in the snag and release fishery can still purchase an Upper Missouri River Paddlefish Snag and Release License at any FWP office.

As in the past, anglers may only select one area to fish for paddlefish in Montana: Upper Missouri River (White Tag), Yellowstone River and Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck Dam (Yellow Tag), and the Fort Peck Dredge Cut archery only season (Blue Tag).