Sturgeon Fishing Basics

By Staff - Jun 18, 2003

Sturgeon angling, although popular on Canada's West Coast, has never experienced the pressure that the recreational Salmon fishery recieves. During certain season's, it is possible to be the only boat in site targeting White Sturgeon. Underutilized yes, but boring no. Sturgeon Angling is an experience that every angler should have.

For sheer size and power, there isn't a fish swimming in freshwater that can match the White Sturgeon. On the bigger river systems such as B.C.'s Fraser River and Washington's Columbia, it is entirely possible to hook into a fish in the 10 foot, 500 pound range. Landing a fish of this size, though, is an entirely different story . For this reason, specialty tackle and methods have been developed to properly target sturgeon.

Tackle:
Rods are typically anywhere from six to nine feet in length, preferably one piece blanks. These rods provide enough lifting power and backbone to turn a big fish. The Sturgeon rod is coupled with a levelwind reel that is capable of holding at least 250 yards of eighty pound toughline. An example of a suitable reel would be the Penn® models like the 309, and the 320/330GTi series. For a higher end reel some guides are using an Abu Garcia Morrum.

A Sturgeon setup doesn't have to break the bank, and can be had for around 150 dollars Canadian if the angler buys used gear. Mainline should consist of either a good quality braided line or 80-100# Maxima. Leader Material needs to be heavy, and some options include 40-80# Maxima as well as the braided nylon lines that are popular due to their abrasion resistance.

Most anglers are using hook sizes in the 7/0-10/0 range. I've seen a Sturge straighten a 8/0 so don't be shy with the hook sizes. The mainline is attached to the leader using what's known as a "California Slider". Weights can range from 6-22 ounces lead depending on the current / depth / tidal influence.

Sturgeon are opportunistic feeders, and use their sensory barbels to locate food. They seem to key on the food source that is present at the time in the river system. When the Salmon are running, salmon "parts", including belly strips gills and roe will produce. In the Spring, when the Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) run is in full swing, the fish are keyed into this food source. Popular staples that will produce at all times include Lamprey and Ditch eels, and even Dew Worms in clusters

Sturgeon fishing is hit and miss. This may be largely due to factors such as barometric pressure. When there is a stable weather system for a number of consecutive days the fishing tends to be consistent. A low pressure system will turn the fishing right off. Depending on the local, tides also affect the fishing.

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