Hotel Blog

Why do thousands of overexcited anglers flock to a short section of Yellowstone River shoreline near Glendive every late May and June?
 
The answer: Paddlefish!
 
Known as the ‘Paddlefish and Caviar Capital of Montana’, Glendive is a big favorite with fishermen, so you need to be prepared. Here’s all the information you need before you hit paddlefish season in Glendive…
 
1. Most closely related to the sturgeon, the prehistoric-looking paddlefish can be hard to come across. There are only two species of paddlefish remaining in the world: one extremely-endangered species that’s only found in portions of China’s Yangtze River, and the species native to North America that’s found in the Missouri and Mississippi river basins.
 
2. Paddlefish season in Glendive kicks off on May 15 and lasts until approximately June 30. The final closing date is determined by the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks when the 1,000 fish quota is met.
 
3. Harvest days in Glendive are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Catch and release days are Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays. Fishing hours are 6am until 9pm.
 
4. The Glendive Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture offers free fish-cleaning in exchange for any roe from your fish. The donated roe is used to make Yellowstone Caviar and the proceeds are used for grants that enhance Eastern Montana and the fishery.
 
5. The most striking physical feature of the paddlefish is its strange, elongated paddle-shaped snout, which can grow up to two feet in length.
 
6. Mature paddlefish migrate upstream from Lake Sakakawea into the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers to spawn every late spring and early summer. Soon after spawning, the adults typically move back downstream into the lake.
 
7. Paddlefish can live to the grand old age of 60 or older. The best way to determine their age is to look at the lower jaw-bone called or ‘dentary’. The annual rings of the dentary can be counted in the same way as you can count the age-rings of a tree.
 
8. The average paddlefish weighs 55 pounds. However, a 142.5-pound fish was snagged in 1973 in Montana.
 
9. There are no bones in paddlefish, so filleting them is very simple.
 
10. Paddlefish are absolutely delicious grilled, smoked or fried. Add some butter, black pepper and a few wedges of lemon and you’ll be in heaven.
 
The Astoria Hotel and Suites in Glendive is the perfect place to stay for overexcited anglers. When you’re not busy fishing for paddlefish, you can enjoy the pool, Jacuzzi and fitness room, or chill out on the amazing outdoor patio.