Shovelnose Sturgeon
Scaphirhynchus platorynchus
The smallest and most common of North America's sturgeons, the shovelnose sturgeon is a bottom-dwelling native of Indiana's big rivers, especially the Wabash and the Ohio. It has the classic sturgeon shape — a flattened, shovel-like snout, four fringed barbels ahead of a toothless sucker mouth, a long armored body ridged with bony plates (scutes) and a shark-like upturned tail with a threadlike filament trailing off the upper lobe. Rarely more than two or three feet long, it feeds on aquatic insects and other small invertebrates rooted from sand and gravel bars in strong current. In Indiana it carries a 25-inch minimum fork length and no daily bag limit, while the larger paddlefish that shares its rivers must be released.
A big-river fish of strong current over sand and gravel; in Indiana it is found chiefly in the Wabash and Ohio rivers and their larger tributaries.
How to Catch Shovelnose Sturgeon
Whether you're new to targeting Shovelnose Sturgeon or refining your approach, success starts with matching your tactics to where the fish lives. Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) is typically found in river water, so concentrate your effort where those conditions line up. Mature Shovelnose Sturgeon average around 24 inches, which helps you choose the right line, lure size, and tackle for the fight.
Where to Find Shovelnose Sturgeon in the USA & Canada
Shovelnose Sturgeon is recorded across a range of North American waters, including spots in Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Browse the linked water guides below to see the specific lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where anglers report catching Shovelnose Sturgeon, then plan a trip around the water closest to you.
Shovelnose Sturgeon Fishing Regulations & Limits
Fishing rules for Shovelnose Sturgeon vary by state and province. Before you head out, check the daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons that apply in your area. When FishFinder has matching records, the regulations link below takes you to the rules hub. Following local limits keeps Shovelnose Sturgeon populations healthy for future seasons.
Related Water Guides for Shovelnose Sturgeon
Explore these FishFinder water guides for places where Shovelnose Sturgeon is recorded:
- Yellowstone River — Shovelnose Sturgeon fishing water
- Ohio River — Shovelnose Sturgeon fishing water
- Wabash River — Shovelnose Sturgeon fishing water
- Missouri River — Shovelnose Sturgeon fishing water
- Big Sioux River — Shovelnose Sturgeon fishing water
- St. Croix River (Minnesota) — Shovelnose Sturgeon fishing water
- Mississippi River (Pools 20-26) — Shovelnose Sturgeon fishing water
- Missouri River (Montana) — Shovelnose Sturgeon fishing water
- Bighorn Lake — Shovelnose Sturgeon fishing water
- Missouri River (Nebraska Waters) — Shovelnose Sturgeon fishing water
- Wisconsin River — Shovelnose Sturgeon fishing water
Shovelnose Sturgeon Regulations
Review current FishFinder regulation records before targeting Shovelnose Sturgeon:
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water is best for catching Shovelnose Sturgeon?
Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) is typically found in river water. Focus your effort where those conditions line up to improve your chances.
How big does Shovelnose Sturgeon get?
Mature Shovelnose Sturgeon average around 24 inches, though individual fish can run larger. Matching your line, lure size, and tackle to that range makes for a better fight and landing rate.
Where can I catch Shovelnose Sturgeon in the USA and Canada?
Shovelnose Sturgeon is reported across North American waters, including spots in Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Check the locations listed on this page to find the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters closest to you.
Do I need a fishing license to catch Shovelnose Sturgeon?
A valid fishing license is required in most US states and Canadian provinces. Daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons for Shovelnose Sturgeon vary by region, so review the regulations on this page and with your local wildlife authority before heading out.