My experience with Paddlefish is based upon a stocking program in 2002 that stocked paddlefish on a “ranching contract basis”. We are part of a large resort development with over 100 lakes and ponds. This program stocked over 3500 paddlefish in various lakes from as small as 2 acres (8 fish) to our largest lake at 236 acres (1300 fish). I am not a fish biologist or manager but have tried to consultant with various specialists the last few years.
From my observations, the lakes with high density of paddlefish, above 4 per acre, when these fish reach 30 plus inches, do have an effect on the remaining fish. The PF are extremely effective at eating the phytoplankton and zooplankton within the lake. This has impacted the smaller forage base such as minnows and bluegills. Our lakes have a stunted bass issue as well so we are dealt a double blow to enhancing the size of our game fish.
We have also realized that each lake has a certain capacity to support a certain amount of biomass. These PF have ranged from 45 to 75 pounds. These fish represent a significant amount of biomass if you assume 4 to 6 per acre.
To help reduce the pressure on our lakes, we have been encouraging the fish hatchery who stocked them to actively harvest each year. In the winter of 2018, they removed 129 PF from just two of our larger lakes. In lakes where PF have been removed, we have noticed an increase in YOY and smaller forage fish. This has been confirmed by electroshock surveys as well during the last two years.

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To Fish or Not to Fish?
What a stupid question!