by Rex Trulove

Created on: September 20, 2009

In the US, there are primarily two species of sturgeon: the green and the white sturgeon. Knowing how to fish for them starts with knowing about the fish.

Both species of sturgeon live in large rivers and the white sturgeon can sometimes be found in shallow lakes, where they've been planted. They can easily populate warmer water, though they take a long time to grow and live to a great age, even by human standards.

Along with their longevity, sturgeons can grow to enormous sizes. Before records stopped being kept for conservation reasons, one sturgeon was caught in Klamath Lake, where they'd been planted years earlier, and which was over 14 feet long and in excess of 1,900 pounds. Klamath Lake is a very large and shallow lake found in southern Oregon.

The sturgeons were originally planted in the lake because of the number of trash fish that would die yearly and wash up on the shore, often near the most posh area of the local town. Sturgeons are opportunistic feeders, and will eat dead fish readily, though they also don't shy away from eating live ones that they can catch. They also have an acute sense of smell that can help them hunt even in muddy water.

This provides some keys for a person wanting to know how to fish for sturgeon.

First, because of the size and weight, make sure the pole and line is heavy enough to deal with the sturgeon. Sturgeons can and have snapped poles and lines with little difficulty. Even heavy line used in ocean fishing can occasionally be broken, but the heavier the line, the less likely the fish will simply pull away.

Second, use suitable bait. Sturgeons have been caught on lures and flies, however since they hunt mostly using their sense of smell, bait fishing tends to result in more success. In water that isn't clear, smelly bait usually works better than bait that doesn't stink. One fisherman who has had a lot of luck with catching sturgeon uses a whole chicken, and leaves it sitting out for a couple days prior to going fishing.

The hook used also needs to be large enough to hold the bait. If it is too small, a little tug will be enough to take it off the hook. On the other hand, don't use a hook that is too large, as it becomes much harder to remove without causing serious damage to the fish.

Third, plan on where you are going to fish for the sturgeon. In the Pacific Northwest, sturgeons are found in the Columbia, Snake, and Willamette Rivers, and in Klamath Lake. Fishing for sturgeon in places where there are none is going to be fruitless, but there is another reason for the planning. Knowing where you are going to fish for the sturgeon also allows you to know the fishing regulations for the state or location.

For instance, in Oregon, if a sturgeon is less than three feel long or over six feet long, it must be released unharmed. Fines for not doing so can be large, which takes away the thrill of catching the sturgeon to begin with. Thankfully, sturgeons are hardy fish, so releasing them isn't usually a problem.

Learning to fish for sturgeon isn't difficult and hinges on knowing where they are located and what they eat. They aren't an especially hard fighting fish, but their size and weight provides a thrill for most people who catch them, even if they must subsequently be turned loose. A recent newspaper article showed one that was caught out of the Willamette River and which was being cradled in the arms of eight stout men who posed for the picture before releasing the fish. It was estimated to be ten feet long and to weigh about 1,000 pounds.

Imagine being able to pull out that picture and to show people the big one that didn't get away!

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