Range and Identity
Polyodon spathula is the American Paddlefish. Its elongated snout, large mouth and unevenly lobed tail distinguish it from ordinary river fishes. The snout is not a digging shovel; sensory function helps explain its role in locating the small prey filtered from open water.
Habitat and Behavior
Large rivers, lakes and impoundments provide habitat, while successful natural reproduction requires suitable connected flowing water. Rising spring water brings fish toward clean gravel spawning areas. An impoundment containing adults does not necessarily provide the conditions needed for a self-sustaining population.
Food and Life History
Small crustaceans and other planktonic animals are collected with the gill rakers. Eggs are deposited over suitable gravel, and young move downstream after hatching. The compiled maxima are 221 centimeters total length and 90.7 kilograms, independent reference values rather than a claim about the current angling record.
Field Note
Keep feeding habitat and spawning access distinct. A large reservoir may support adult fish while still lacking the flowing gravel habitat needed for natural recruitment.
All Lakes With Paddlefish
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Paddlefish records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
Showing 1–24 of 126 lakes · Page 1 of 6
- Aberdeen Lake Monroe, MS
- Albemarle Lake East Carroll, LA
- Aliceville Lake Pickens, AL
- Amory Pool Monroe, MS
- Arkabutla Lake DeSoto, MS
- B A Steinhagen Lake Jasper, TX
- Bankhead Lake Tuscaloosa, AL
- Barren River Lake Allen, KY
- Bay Springs Lake Tishomingo, MS
- Beaver Lake Washington, AR
- Bluff Lake Noxubee, MS
- Brushy Lake Tensas, LA
- Buckhorn Lake Leslie, KY
- Bull Shoals Lake Boone, AR
- Caddo Lake Caddo, LA
- Cane River Lake Natchitoches, LA
- Catahoula Lake LaSalle, LA
- Cave Run Lake Rowan, KY
- Cherokee Lake Hawkins, TN
- Chotard Lake East Carroll, LA
- Claiborne Lake Monroe, AL
- Coffeeville Lake Marengo, AL
- Columbus Lake Lowndes, MS
- Dale Hollow Lake Clay, TN