Ever dreamed of catching a dinosaur? Your possibilities of hooking a T-Rex could also be slim, however it’s not so far-fetched to have a residing fossil chomp down in your line. In truth, many anglers knock that one off their bucket listing annually. No, it’s not make-believe—it’s Sturgeon fishing.
Ancestors of those fish have been traced again to the Jurassic interval, when the shores round them had been stalked by literal dinosaurs. The modern species of Sturgeon you possibly can catch as we speak entered the scene greater than 136 million years in the past!
Sturgeon rival the human lifespan, with some species residing 100 years or extra. Their meals worth solely will increase with age—and we aren’t simply speaking in regards to the agency, creamy filets. These fish are the world’s solely supply of genuine caviar. Sadly, this has led many Sturgeon species to endangerment.
However, that doesn’t rule these prehistoric prizes out of sportfishing completely. In some states, catch-and-release fishing for Sturgeon is a degree of delight and an expertise you possibly can’t miss out on. Be part of us as we discover why…
The way to Determine Sturgeon
Sturgeon (of the household Acipenseridae) span your complete northern hemisphere. Many are anadromous, residing out their days in saltwater after which migrating upriver to breed. Nonetheless, some solely inhabit freshwater rivers and lakes.
Most Sturgeon vary from 3–10 ft lengthy and pack on as a lot as 200–500 kilos. Beluga Sturgeon can attain over 3,000 kilos, making them the most important freshwater fish on the planet! The American White Sturgeon is the most typical, nonetheless, which may nonetheless attain mammoth proportions at a couple of third of that dimension.
Although they range in dimension and coloration, all Sturgeon share key traits. These embrace a lengthy, flat snout and a number of other barbels dangling above their mouth. Sturgeon even have rows of bony scutes or plates that run alongside their again and down their sides. You’ll additionally discover their heterocercal tail fins (which means the decrease lobe is shorter than the higher one).
The duck-like snout on a Sturgeon provides it a robust resemblance to its cousin, the Paddlefish, whereas the barbels that appear like whiskers could make it straightforward for a novice to mistake this species for Catfish. When you get acquainted with the Sturgeon household, nonetheless, there’s no mistaking these light giants for the rest. Each in seems to be and in nature, they’re actually distinctive!
Varieties of Sturgeon
There are an estimated 25–30 species of Sturgeon around the globe, seven of which inhabit North America. These mostly caught on this a part of the world embrace:
White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)
White Sturgeon inhabit coastal waters and connecting rivers from California to Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. As the most important Sturgeon in North America, they’re simply the preferred. Trophy-sized fish span over 10 ft lengthy and tip the size previous 1,000 kilos, which is why this species has been dubbed the “Marlin of the Pacific Northwest.”
So, simply how large was the most important White Sturgeon ever caught? There are legends of fish that measured over 20 ft lengthy and weighed near 2,000 kilos, however few of those claims have been verified. Strictly talking, the world report for White Sturgeon is 468 kilos, caught in San Pablo Bay, California in 1983. Nonetheless, a a lot bigger specimen from the Fraser River in Canada was reported in 2012, measuring 11 ft, 6 inches and tipping the scales at a whopping 1,100 kilos!
Inexperienced Sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris)
One other native to the West Coast, Inexperienced Sturgeon inhabit recent and saltwater all the best way from Alaska to California, making this probably the most widespread Sturgeon species in North America. You aren’t prone to confuse them with White Sturgeon in the identical space, as Inexperienced Sturgeon clock in at a a lot smaller dimension (sometimes 3–5 ft lengthy). This, mixed with strict rules, could also be why they’re much less generally focused for sport.
Lake Sturgeon—aka Rock Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)
This species is concentrated across the Nice Lakes and their watersheds, the place it reigns as the most important and oldest freshwater fish. Although they don’t attain trophy sizes like their counterparts within the west, Lake Sturgeon can attain as much as 200 kilos and are nonetheless a bucket-list fish for a lot of anglers.
Florida additionally boasts a number of species of Sturgeon (Atlantic, Gulf, and Shortnose), however these are extra elusive and all three species are prohibited for sportfishing functions. If you happen to catch one by mistake, be certain that to deal with it with care and launch it immediately.
Prime Sturgeon Fishing Spots
We’ve already touched upon a number of the prime spots to focus on Sturgeon in North America, however right here’s a more in-depth have a look at the most effective our bodies of water for these behemoths:
Fraser River (British Columbia)
The Fraser River is the go-to supply of trophy-sized White Sturgeon, the place anglers report catching 10–12′ fish yearly. This fishery runs year-round, however locals suggest focusing on Sturgeon throughout the hotter months from March to November. Sturgeon fishing on the Fraser River is strictly catch and launch.
Columbia River (Oregon and Washington)
This mighty river presents extra world-class Sturgeon fishing. Catch-and-release is allowed alongside a lot of the river year-round, and a few areas are even open for retention fishing at sure occasions (dimension and bag limits apply). For the most effective Sturgeon fishing the Columbia River has to supply, head to Astoria, Oregon someday between June and September.
California Delta
The California Delta is yet one more supply of record-breaking Sturgeon. Technically, the fish are biting year-round, however the motion peaks in spring and fall. Relying on rules, you might be allowed to maintain your catch inside dimension and bag limits. (Be aware that that is topic to vary at any time, and the fishing season might even shut at quick discover with a view to shield the species.)
Michigan
Sure, we actually did simply suggest a whole state, as a result of Michigan’s lakes and rivers are surgin’ with Sturgeon. A few of the finest spots for Sturgeon fishing in Michigan are Black Lake, Mullett Lake, and Lake St. Clair in addition to the St. Clair River. There are strict seasons and bag limits for Lake Sturgeon in Michigan, which range from location to location.
The way to Fish for Sturgeon
One have a look at the toothless grin beneath a Sturgeon’s snout is sufficient to inform you these fish are backside feeders. Like residing rumbas, they scour the bay and river beds sucking up worms, crustaceans, fish eggs, and extra.
As such, you possibly can anticipate to fish for Sturgeon utilizing some type of drift fishing or backside fishing. Standard variations of those embrace gradual trolling and backside bouncing, the place you forged your bait and slowly reel it in so it could bounce alongside the underside. It’s widespread to fish for Sturgeon from a jet boat, however in some locations, you possibly can goal them from shore.
Attending to know the underwater panorama is essential so you possibly can anchor up close to a little bit of contour, comparable to cabinets, holes, humps, or slopes. Hunt down areas with a silty backside and comparatively calm and even currents. It will be sure that your bait will keep on the underside and your line gained’t tangle.
Hooking a Sturgeon requires some subtlety. They typically nibble at your bait earlier than taking a tough chew, so don’t attempt to set your hook too quickly. There needs to be a gentle pull on the different finish earlier than the struggle is on. These fish can run a good distance along with your bait, so don’t flip your drag all the best way in.
Sturgeon Fishing Gear
If you happen to’re fishing for Sturgeon with a information, they’re possible to supply all of the gear you want. They’ll additionally guarantee that the tools is well-suited to the native waters. If you happen to plan to carry your individual gear or need to take a crack at Sturgeon fishing by yourself, listed below are just a few pointers:
Rods, Reels, and Fishing Line
A 7–8′ gentle or medium motion rod and any mid-sized baitcasting reel will serve you properly. Some anglers choose for a bigger reel with a view to be certain that there’s loads of line for the fish to run away with.
For a monster Sturgeon, it’s widespread to make use of wherever from 65–100 lb take a look at braided line with an 18″ mono chief (be certain that it’s heavy, at the least 80 lb take a look at). When focusing on smaller species like Rock Sturgeon, you would possibly get away with a shorter chief and lighter traces, however loads of anglers within the Midwest pack heavy deal with, too. It actually comes right down to choice and private expertise, so ask round and see what locals are utilizing.
When you need a rod that may deal with the load of those fish pulling in opposition to you, attempt to seize one with a comfortable tip on it in order that they don’t really feel any resistance upon biting. Fiberglass rods lend themselves properly to this, and you’ll go as far as to buy a fiberglass-graphite composite with a view to mix power with finesse. Exactly what rod you need will rely upon whether or not you’re trolling, backside fishing, or casting from shore.
Sinkers and Extra
Don’t neglect so as to add a sinker to your line so the bait stays put. Relying on the depth and present, you might must swap out sinkers earlier than touchdown on the suitable weight. Pack your arsenal with a spread of 4–26 oz sinkers.
Along with this, you’ll need to contemplate hooks and ties. Circle hooks are a preferred selection, often sized 7/0–10/0 for White Sturgeon and 4/0–6/0 for Rock Sturgeon.
Sturgeon Fishing Bait
As they’ve comparatively poor eyesight, Sturgeon hunt by odor. Subsequently, use recent bait each time attainable and don’t draw back from somewhat stink. Some anglers even marinate their bait or add a cotton ball soaked in scented oil to make it extra pungent.
Salmon roe and lamprey (eel) are widespread Sturgeon baits, significantly on the early and late ends of the height season. Select eggs from an area Salmon species, ideally Chinook. At different occasions, fish like sardines, shad, eulachon (smelt), and even salmon items work properly. You can too use mollusks, pile worms, crawfish, or varied sorts of shrimp.
The tidbits that Sturgeon scrounge for range by season, and this implies switching up your bait selection, too. Come ready to experiment with a number of baits and you should definitely select native species which are swimming in the identical waters as your goal Sturgeon.
When to Catch Sturgeon
Sturgeon are current in lots of waters year-round, however some seasons are extra productive than others. Even totally different areas alongside one river could also be booming at totally different occasions.
Usually, fishing for White Sturgeon is best throughout the hotter half of the yr, with peaks from April–June and September–November. Anglers fishing the California Delta goal these fish by winter, primarily as a result of not a lot else is biting.
If you happen to’re fishing the Fraser River in British Columbia, it’s prone to be strictly catch and launch. For a fish you possibly can maintain, hit the Columbia River from Astoria, OR, in late Might or June. The California Delta additionally has a number of the most beneficiant rules in the case of retention fishing, however these are restricted to sure areas and a particular time of yr (typically the latter half).
Within the Midwest, some waters see extra Sturgeon motion in summer season whereas others are bustling in fall. Even in winter when the lakes freeze over, you possibly can attempt fishing for Sturgeon. For a keeper fish, you’re most likely a brief, regulated season. On Michigan’s Black Lake, for instance, retention fishing for Sturgeon is simply allowed for just a few days annually.
Sturgeon Fishing: A Timeless Pursuit
With such historic roots, it’s honest to say that Sturgeon have stood the take a look at of time. In truth, they’ve advanced little or no since their debut 136 million years in the past—which is nature’s means of claiming these fish are, primarily, good.
They’re not probably the most placing sport fish, however Sturgeon have earned a particular place on anglers’ bucket lists, from the far reaches of the Pacific Northwest to the depths of the Nice Lakes. Wherever this swimming fossil leads you, we want you tight traces and the prospect to say, “I caught a dinosaur as we speak!”
Is Sturgeon on the prime of your bucket listing? The place will you be fishing for one subsequent? If you happen to’ve caught one earlier than, we need to hear how large it was!
