New rules will be in effect for the Kansas paddlefish season (March 15 to May 15).

Anyone snagging must have a permit good for six paddlefish. Only one permit is allowed per angler for the season.

Also, the $12.15 permit includes six tags that must be attached to each paddlefish immediately upon catch, if the fish meets the required length limit.

Snaggers must sign each tag and record the county, date and time of harvest. The tag must be attached to the lower jaw. Tagging paddlefish at designated check-in stations is no longer required.

In addition, a valid state fishing license is required (unless exempt by law). The daily creel limit is two, and the possession limit six. Paddlefish may be snagged using pole and line with not more than two single or treble hooks (one hook, barbless-only, in the Neosho River).

Paddlefish can be taken on the Neosho River below the Chetopa and Burlington city dams, on the Marais des Cygnes River below Osawatomie Dam and at Browning Oxbow Lake of the Missouri River.

All locations have a 34-inch length limit (measured from eye to fork of tail) except Browning Lake, where there is a 24-inch length limit. Other sportfish snagged must be released.

Nonsport fish (carp, drum, grass carp, threadfin and gizzard shad, goldfish, gar, suckers including carpsucker and buffalo, goldeye and bowfin) may also be snagged in waters posted open to snagging during the paddlefish season. There are no limits on nonsport fish.

Once rivers rise, paddlefish enter the state in search of spawning areas, usually when water temperatures approach 60 degrees. This usually occurs shortly before or after the March 15 opener.