The fish in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources pond are back for another year of fair fun. The DNR has been bringing in hundreds of live, native fish for 120 years. During the run of the Minnesota State Fair from Thursday through Labor Day, fairgoers can see the rare paddlefish and prehistoric lake sturgeon, plus a few dozen more species. Video captured by Ben Hovland and edited by Anne Guttridge | MPR News

How many of you have seen a paddlefish? These large, prehistoric fish are native to Minnesota’s large rivers like the Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix Rivers. These unique fish feed by filtering zooplankton out of the water and can grow larger than 100 pounds. Follow our fisheries crew on the Minnesota River as they seek to learn more about this species that is making a comeback after negative impacts of dams, impaired water quality and over-harvest. | Minnesota Department of Natural Resourc