How would you describe this fish? Imagine a fish weighing over one hundred pounds with smooth skin, varying in color from blueish grey to black carrying a large paddle-shaped bill with small beady eyes and a large, tapered gill covered with spots. This ancient fish resides in North Dakota primarily in the northwest Missouri and Yellowstone River systems. That being said, North Dakota has a healthy population of paddlefish that allows for a harvest season by snagging these fish every May.