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Zigler, S., M. Dewey, B. Knights, M. Steingraeber and A. Runstron (1996). Habitat use and movement of paddlefish in the Upper Mississippi River. Pages 24 in J. T. Dukerschein, ed. Proceedings of the Mississippi River Research Consortium, La Crosse, Wisconsin (USA), Mississippi River Research Consortium.

Restoration of depleted paddlefish Polyodon spathula populations is a goal of several state and federal natural resource agencies. Knowledge of movements is important for defining the spatial scales for effectively managing paddlefish stocks and for evaluating the effects of habitat alterations, such as dams, on paddlefish. In 1994 and 1995, we evaluated movement and habitat use of paddlefish with radiotelemetry in Pools 5A and 8 of the Upper Mississippi River, and in the Wisconsin and Chippewa Rivers. Paddlefish were tagged in the lower Black River (Pool 8, upper Mississippi River), in Pool 5A of the upper Mississippi River, near Caryville in the Chippewa River, and in the Wisconsin River below Prairie du Sac dam. Many remained at these locations throughout the year. In spring, 1995 about half of the radiotagged paddlefish moved downstream up to 90 km in the Wisconsin and Chippewa Rivers, presumably for spawning activities. Paddlefish in Pool 8 remained in the upper portion of the pool throughout spring. Paddlefish that moved downstream during spring returned in early summer. Diel studies conducted in Pool 8 during spring 1995 indicated greater movement at night (mean = 525 m/h) as compared to day (mean = 212 m/h), but use of habitat types did not differ among day, night, or crepuscular periods. While most paddlefish did not move great distances during summer, a few fish moved between 150 and 250 km from tributaries into the upper Mississippi River. In the lower portion of the tributaries rivers, which do not contain dams, paddlefish moved large distances upstream and downstream. In the upper Mississippi River, dams appear to be effective barriers to upstream paddlefish movement. Research studies are continuing to monitor seasonal patterns of habitat use and movement.