Sturgeon Fishing Guide

Sturgeon is the largest freshwater fish in North America, and we are lucky enough to have a significant White Sturgeon population on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Sturgeon can be caught year-round for catch and release; however, there are a few opportunities throughout the year to harvest these beasts through sturgeon fishing Portland Oregon.

Typically, in January, The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will open a keeper Sturgeon season for fish between 38 inches and 54 inches in length. While the season for sturgeon fishing Portland Oregon is open to harvest a Sturgeon an individual is able to kill one fish per day that is within the allotted length, however, you can only kill two Sturgeon per year. Be sure to book us, your sturgeon fishing guides Portland Oregon, to keep everything within regulation!

Although keeper Sturgeon seasons are minimal throughout the year, sturgeon fishing Portland Oregon is open for catch and release year-round. We may find ourselves Sturgeon Fishing right in the heart of Portland, Oregon. This is a treat catching giant Sturgeon with the beautiful city as the backdrop of your pictures.

If you’re interested in sturgeon fishing Portland Oregon, know that the Columbia River boasts two magnificent sturgeon species, the White Sturgeon and the Green Sturgeon. While both are giants of the deep, they have distinct characteristics that can help you tell them apart. Here’s a guide to identifying these fascinating fish:

Color Scheme

White Sturgeon: True to their name, White Sturgeon have a lighter body color, ranging from pale gray to olive with a white underbelly.

Green Sturgeon: As the name suggests, Green Sturgeon is typically olive green or brown in color, sometimes with a lighter underside.

Body Features

Barbells: These whisker-like sensory organs help sturgeon navigate and find food. White Sturgeon has four barbels clustered near the tip of their snout, while Green Sturgeon has four barbels positioned slightly lower and further back.

Scutes: These bony plates run along the sides and back of the sturgeon. White Sturgeon has more numerous and sharper scutes compared to Green Sturgeon.

Vent Placement: The vent, the opening where waste exits the body, is located behind the pelvic fins in White Sturgeon. In Green Sturgeon, the vent is located directly between the pelvic fins.

Bonus Feature: Green Sturgeon often have an additional small scute located behind their dorsal and anal fins, which White Sturgeon lack.

Habitat and Habits

White Sturgeon: Primarily a freshwater fish, White Sturgeon inhabits the Columbia River and its tributaries throughout their lives. They are bottom feeders, scavenging for food like worms, lampreys, and small fish.

Green Sturgeon: Green Sturgeon is anadromous, migrating between freshwater and saltwater. They spend most of their lives in the ocean, returning to the Columbia River to spawn. Their diet includes shrimp, squid, and small fish.

Conservation Status

White Sturgeon: Once heavily fished, White Sturgeon populations have rebounded thanks to stricter regulations. Catch-and-release fishing is expected, with limited retention seasons in specific areas.

Green Sturgeon: Green Sturgeon, particularly the Southern Distinct Population Segment, is threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Fishing for Green Sturgeon is strictly prohibited in the Columbia River.

Regarding sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River, the good news is that a license from either Oregon or Washington will do! We’ll be sure to check yours as your sturgeon fishing guides Portland Oregon.

The Columbia River forms part of the border between these two states, and both recognize a valid fishing license from the other for sturgeon fishing within the river boundaries. However, there’s a catch (pun intended). Be sure to check the specific regulations for the state you’re launching from, as there might be additional requirements like endorsements or permits depending on the location and season. It’s always best to double-check the regulations from both Oregon and Washington to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth and legal sturgeon fishing adventure on the mighty Columbia River.

Ethical catch-and-release practices are crucial for ensuring the health and survival of sturgeon, especially the majestic giants of the Columbia River. As your sturgeon fishing guides Portland Oregon, we’ll definitely teach you how to do it (if you don’t know yet).

Here are some key things to remember:

Minimize Fight Time: Sturgeons are powerful fish, but a lengthy fight can stress them out. Use appropriate gear to land your catch quickly and efficiently. Aim for a fight lasting less than 15 minutes.

Handle with Care: Sturgeon has a protective slime coating that helps fight infection. Wet your hands before handling the fish to minimize damage to this coating. Never lift a giant sturgeon out of the water; support its weight along its body if possible.

Prioritize Water Time: Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Unhook the fish while submerged, using long-nose pliers or a dehooker if necessary. If removing the hook requires taking the fish out, minimize air exposure to under 30 seconds.

Proper Release: When releasing the sturgeon, ensure it regains strength and balance before letting it go. Gently revive it by holding it facing the current until it starts swimming away.

Respectful Release Location: Choose a calm area with good water flow for releasing the sturgeon. Avoid areas with obstacles or predators where the fish might be vulnerable.

By following these practices, you can ensure your catch-and-release sturgeon experience contributes to conserving these magnificent creatures in the Columbia River. Remember, a healthy sturgeon population means a thriving river ecosystem for generations.

Call us if you need sturgeon fishing guides Portland Oregon today!

A powerful boat isn’t necessarily the key to snagging a sturgeon on the Columbia River. While battling these behemoths can be a tug-of-war, success often hinges more on technique and strategy than brute force on the water.

Here’s why horsepower might not be everything:

Finding the Fish: Sturgeon tend to dwell in deeper holes and calmer stretches of the river. A smaller, maneuverable boat can navigate these areas effectively, allowing you to target prime fishing spots.

Anchoring Up: Once you locate a sturgeon, a strong anchor is more crucial than a powerful engine. Anchoring securely keeps you in position while battling a fish, even a giant sturgeon.

Skill Over Speed: Mastering techniques like drift fishing and reading currents play a more significant role than boat speed. Understanding how sturgeon feed and behave will put you in a better position to tempt them with your bait.

A larger boat with a powerful engine can offer advantages in certain situations. A more robust boat could be beneficial if you were venturing further onto the Columbia or battling trophy-sized sturgeon regularly. Ultimately, the ideal boat depends on your fishing style, target locations, and budget.

Finding a sturgeon on the Columbia River requires a bit of detective work. Here are some tips to help you locate these giants:

Know your charts: Consult fishing charts and depth finders to identify underwater channels, holes, and drop-offs where sturgeon tend to congregate. These areas provide feeding grounds and resting spots.

Follow the current: Look for areas with moderate current flow, especially near bends in the river or below dams. Sturgeons often position themselves where food gets swept along by the current.

Learn from the birds: Birds like diving gulls and pelicans can indicate feeding activity below the surface. Watch for areas where birds are circling or diving, as this might signal the presence of sturgeon stirring up prey.

Talk to the locals: Chat with experienced anglers, fishing guides, or staff at local tackle shops. Based on recent catches and water conditions, they can offer valuable insights on productive sturgeon fishing spots.

Combine techniques: Don’t rely solely on your depth finder. Observe the water for signs of life, like jumping baitfish or swirling currents. Combining different approaches will increase your chances of finding sturgeon hotspots on the Columbia River.