Where can I fish for sturgeon in Oregon?
As Columbia River Fishing guides we target keeper sized sturgeon in the lower Columbia River, near Astoria, Oregon, up to the Columbia River Gorge. Our fishing guide also fishes for these sturgeon on Oregon’s Willamette River. Keeper sized sturgeon are available during select times, typically in the late spring and early summer months.
Is the sturgeon fishing open in the Columbia River?
Sturgeon fishery opens May 13 in the Columbia River estuary. OLYMPIA – Starting May 13, anglers will have an opportunity to catch and retain legal-size white sturgeon in the lower 40 miles of the Columbia River under rules approved by fishery managers from Washington and Oregon. Is Columbia River open for fishing?
What are the best tasting freshwater fish in the Columbia River?
Some of the best tasting freshwater game fish is the sturgeon, and a Columbia River sturgeon fishing trip is the best way to get your hands on one of these beasts! Keeper sized white sturgeon range from 42- to 54-inches on the Columbia River.
Where do sturgeon fish spawn in the spring?
In the spring spawning season they prefer rivers with swift currents and large cobble. The largest freshwater game fish in North America is the sturgeon, and catching these giant fish is a specialty at Dan Ponciano’s Fishing Guide Service.
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Where can I fish for sturgeon on the lower Columbia River?
Area: Mainstem Columbia from the Wauna Powerlines (near river mile 40) downstream to the mouth at Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay, and all adjacent Washington tributaries.
Where can I find sturgeon in the Columbia River?
1:5511:22Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCome at the boat then they'll take off another 100 yards and these fish this time year congregateMoreCome at the boat then they'll take off another 100 yards and these fish this time year congregate down here in the Lower Columbia River. And they just know it's time to eat a lot of food down here.
How do you fish for sturgeon in the Columbia River?
Sturgeon are bottom feeders so when fishing for them you want to anchor your boat, then plunk fresh bait on the bottom of the Columbia River. Catching several Sturgeon over 100 pounds is to be expected from April to September.
Where is the best place to fish sturgeon?
The most popular areas for sturgeon fishing are the upper Mississippi into the Ohio and Missouri watersheds. The Great Lakes region is the most common target, though it is a huge area.
What bait do you use for sturgeon?
Types of recommended bait include crawfish, fresh water clams, salmon eggs or carcasses, shad and other small fish. If fresh bait isn't available, adding scents to the bait will catch the attention of the sturgeon. Shrimp oil, shad oil and sardine oil are just a few of the many fish oils on the market.
Where can I find big sturgeon?
Where do you get big sturgeon? Head to the aforementioned bridge across Liffey River, directly north of Rathbride Altar. This is where you'll find loads of big sturgeon in the water. Don't bother trying to use the fishing line though because chances are, you'll only catch regular sturgeon this way.
Is sturgeon good to eat?
Sturgeon has a refined flavor and consistency. That charm is why eating it raw is the best way to eat it. You can enjoy the charm of the fish meat by eating it as sashimi, sushi and marinading it. Even when boiled, you can enjoy the tender texture of sturgeon.
What is the largest sturgeon caught in the Columbia River?
Most experts agree that the biggest certifiable sturgeon, and thus the biggest known fish taken in America's freshwaters, was a 12½-foot, 1,285-pound cow sturgeon that went blundering into a salmon gill net in the Columbia in the spring of 1912.
What is the biggest sturgeon ever caught?
The Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso) is the biggest freshwater fish in the world. The largest Beluga ever caught weighed 1,571 kg and was 7.2 m long.
Can you keep a sturgeon if you catch it?
Regulations on Rock Crab Fishing in California Sturgeon are the largest freshwater fish in North America; they can grow to be over 1000 pounds and they can live 100 years or more. California is home to both white and green sturgeon though it is illegal to catch and keep the green species.
How hard is it to catch a sturgeon?
These fish fight hard and on walleye gear, the fight often times can last an hour. Heavier gear will allow you to pull in the fish quicker, which puts less stress on the sturgeon and ultimately is better for releasing. Basically, a no roll sinker combined with a sturgeon rig will get the job done on the tackle end.
Why is sturgeon fishing illegal?
In 2006 the green sturgeon was listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act, making it off-limits for recreational fishing. California's fish and wildlife department notes that while the white sturgeon is not yet listed, its survival is considered “conservation dependent.” So recreational fishing of ...
What is the largest sturgeon caught in the Columbia River?
Most experts agree that the biggest certifiable sturgeon, and thus the biggest known fish taken in America's freshwaters, was a 12½-foot, 1,285-pound cow sturgeon that went blundering into a salmon gill net in the Columbia in the spring of 1912.
How big do sturgeon get in the Columbia River?
20 feet longThe white sturgeon can grow 20 feet long and weigh more than 1,500 pounds! White sturgeon from the Columbia River have been known to go as far south as the Sacramento River in California and as far north as the Frasier River in Canada.
Where can I find white sturgeon?
In the Pacific Northwest, you can find them in the Columbia River in good numbers, along with the rarely seen green sturgeon. White sturgeon are also found in California's San Francisco Bay and Sacramento and San Joaquin River Delta area, the Willamette River in Oregon, and a number of coastal rivers and bays.
When is the best time to catch white sturgeon in Oregon?
May, June & Julyis when it's time to head to the lower Columbia River near Astoria, Oregon to catch the huge numbers of White Sturgeon that come in from the ocean to feed on the abundance of food that spends the summer in the Columbia River Estuary.
How many sturgeon per day?
It's common for us to catch 15 to 30 sturgeon per day or more! Keeper sturgeon average 45 to 50 inches in length and oversize fish over 5 feet happen all the time! Sturgeon are easy to cook. They are boneless with sizable fillets and they taste great! Sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River.
What is a shaker sturgeon?
An undersized "shaker" sturgeon! "Shakers" are sturgeon that are less than 38" (measured to the fork of the tail) in length. As you can see from the picture, even sub-legal or sturgeon that are "too short" are still big and definitely put up a good fight.
Why are sturgeons called "oversize"?
These huge fish are called "oversize sturgeon" because they are longer than the length you are allowed to keep. When you are battling one of these bruisers you're going to know it! Oversize average 5 to 10 feet in length and fish longer than this are not uncommon.
10 Reasons to Go Sturgeon Fishing on the Columbia River
Catch a true fish of a lifetime – Columbia River sturgeons can weigh between 100 and 350 pounds! You probably won’t ever get the chance to fish for a sturgeon anywhere else.
What is the sturgeon season on the Columbia River? (Columbia river sturgeon season)
Columbia River sturgeon fishing trips are available year-round, so there’s no bad time to come! The Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing season begins on Apr 1 and ends on Dec 31.
Columbia River sturgeon fishing regulations
Fishing for sturgeon in the Columbia River is subject to strict regulations by Washington and Oregon. All fishing equipment, including rods, reels, and nets, are inspected by the Washington State Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before you can go Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing.
How do you fish for sturgeon from a boat?
Find a local charter and captain who can take you out to the best spots.
What is the best bait for sturgeon on the Columbia River?
The most important thing to remember when fishing for sturgeon is that fresh bait will make your day.
Where can you bank fish on the Columbia River?
The Columbia River is a great place to fish for sturgeon. You can catch them in Prescott, nearly two hours west of Seattle on the road that leads there, or you could head east towards Chinook Landing and all its scenic views from above-water access points like Social Security Beach (known locally as Kettner Dunes).
Commonly Asked Questions about Columbia River white sturgeon Fishing ( FAQ)
Yes, of course! The largest and longest-living fish in the Columbia River Basin, White Sturgeon, can live 80 to 100 years. They are present where there’s still access past dams that block their movements.
How to explore the Columbia River?
Because of its majestic size, the most popular way to explore the Columbia River is on a boat. Hop aboard a vessel with a local charter guide, and you’ll be able to navigate your way to the hotspots and follow your target fish. Your guide will come armed with plenty of knowledge, as well as top fishing gear.
How big do keeper sturgeon get?
The battle itself is what makes encountering this fish so special! In the Columbia River, Sturgeon can grow up to 12 feet in length, weighing hundreds of pounds.
What fish can you catch in Bonneville Dam?
The Bonneville Dam area is known for its excellent Sturgeon and Salmon fishing action, but it also boasts Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Channel Catfish. Perfect if you’re looking to hook into something tasty! Elsewhere in the river, you’ll be able to target Shad and even more Walleye.
What is the tastiest salmon?
The Sockeye, by comparison, is known for being the tastiest out of all the Salmon varieties. The Columbia River sees a total of five annual Salmon runs. Three are reserved for Chinook, whereas Coho and Sockeye see one run each, so your chances of a Salmon encounter are pretty high year-round.
What is the best fishing in the Pacific Northwest?
Columbia River Fishing: The Best of the Pacific Northwest! The Columbia River has been woven into the fabric of the Pacific Northwest’s culture for centuries. Along with its tributaries, it provides food, water, and even electricity to this region’s many inhabitants.
When is steelhead season in Columbia?
Steelhead can be found all throughout the Columbia River, with a large number concentrated in the lower stretch. Peak season takes place here between May and August.
When to visit Columbia River?
Visit at the right time, usually around May , and not only will you get the chance to engage in battle – you’ll be able to catch and keep your very own ancient beast.
Top 10 Tips On How To Catch Sturgeon In The Columbia River
Catching Sturgeon can be both intimidating and exciting all at once. But as soon as you catch one, all the anticipation seems worthwhile. So, here are ten terrific tips to help you catch Sturgeon in the Columbia River.
Conclusion
Sturgeon is a mighty creature of the sea. Some might even dub them as the sea dinosaurs. Who wouldn’t love to get their hands on one of them? And now that you know the secrets of how to catch Sturgeon in the Columbia River, it’s time you made your catch.
