Shovelnose Sturgeon

Species Description

Upper tail fin lobe has a long, slender filament, which may break off in adults. Fringed barbels are present, and the lip has 4 lobes. Bases of barbels form a straight line. No spiracle, the small round hole found above the eye in lake sturgeon. Similar to pallid sturgeon with following exceptions: shorter and less pointed snout, bases of inner barbels are about equal distant between the mouth and snout tip, inner barbels are more fringed and thicker, width of barbel bases are more than half the width of the outer barbel bases and the fish’s belly is covered with plates. Thin scale-like plates on belly. Long, slender filament on tail (if not broken off). Reddish-brown or buff color. Cartilaginous, boneless skeleton like other sturgeon species.

Fishing Type
Game
Topic Category
Hunting / Fishing Guide
Seasons
Regulations
Biological Information
Title
Seasons
Shovelnose Sturgeon

Shovelnose sturgeon side view photo with black background

Season Open
  • January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Notes

Limits apply on all waters except on areas with special regulations.

Daily limit: 10
Possession limit: 20
Length limit: 30 inch maximum

Fishing: Allowed Methods

Methods

Pole and Line

Trotline

Limb Line

Bank Line

Jug Line

Additional Info

Ice fishing tackle, or tip-ups, are considered a pole-and-line method.