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Southall, P. D. (1982). Paddlefish movement and habitat use in the Upper Mississippi River. Pages 35 in J. G. Weiner, R. V. Anderson and D. R. McConville, eds. Contaminants in the Upper Mississippi River: Proceedings of the 15th Annual Meeting of the Mississippi River Research Consortium, La Crosse, Wisconsin (USA), Mississippi River Research Consortium.

The paddlefish is an important sport and commercial fish species in the Upper Mississippi River. Paddlefish movement and habitat use were investigated by radio-telemetry. Fish were surgically implanted with 49 MHz radio transmitters and released at capture site in Pool 13. Radio-tagged fish measured 68 to 96 cm, eye to fork length, and weighed 4 to 18 kg. Seven paddlefish were monitored during the summer of 1980, and 10 fish were tracked through the spring and into the summer of 1981. Tracking was conducted primarily by boat, with a single search by aircraft for lost fish 1981. Physical characteristics of the habitat measured at telemetry location sites were: water depth, current velocity, water temperature, bottom contour, and proximity to navigation improvement structures. Paddlefish exhibited great mobility, especially during the spring months. Individual linear range varied from 12.5 to 104.6 km during the study period. Interpool movement through navigation dams was observed. Group movement upstream through Lock and Dam 12 occurred when dam gates were raised during a high water period in the spring, 1981. Movement downstream through Lock and Dam 12 was accomplished when dam gates were partially closed. Movement from and subsequent return to specific areas suggested recognition of particular habitats. Main channel border and tailwater habitats were utilized most frequently, although telemetry locations were also made in backwater, main channel, and side channel habitats. Association with wing dams was observed.