A Beginner’s Guide to Sturgeon Fishing: Catch & Release Tips

Sturgeon have swum in rivers and lakes for more than 175 million years. They’ve outlived ice ages and extinctions, but now face an increasing threat from humans. Fishing for one of these behemoths is an angler’s dream, one of the most exciting freshwater experiences. But sturgeon fishing is a serious conservation challenge. In most fisheries, fishing is now catch and release only, and knowing how to handle these fish is often life or death.

This blog will provide the essentials for the novice angler, from the equipment and methods of catching to the proper handling techniques that will ensure sturgeon are around for generations to come.

The Need for Catch and Release Sturgeon Fishing

Sturgeon have an incredibly slow reproductive rate for game fish. White sturgeon may not start to reproduce until around 25 years old, and females spawn every two to eight years thereafter. This fact means that every adult fish has tremendous potential to reproduce. Every dead breeding female could be decades of lost growth.

The conservation math explains why regulations keep tightening. California now operates a catch-and-release white sturgeon fishery with no retention in state waters. Oregon and Washington have moved their Columbia River retention seasons because quotas were filled in a matter of days. Michigan recently proposed a new catch-and-release season for the Menominee River from June 2026 until March 2027. The message is clear. Retention seasons are becoming shorter while catch-and-release seasons are getting longer. So, catch-and-release skills are becoming essential for sturgeon anglers.

What You Need to Catch Sturgeon

Sturgeon are strong freshwater fish that require heavier tackle. Begin with a 7 to 8 foot heavy action or medium-heavy action rod, and a large baitcasting reel. Many sturgeon anglers use fiberglass or fiberglass-graphite composite rods that offer both backbone and tip sensitivity. This is important because, for their size, sturgeon bite relatively delicately.

Use 65-100 pound braided line on your reel, followed by a 18-24 inch fluorocarbon or heavy monofilament leader. The leader absorbs some of the shock of the fight. For terminal rigging, use circle hooks between the 5/0 and 10/0 sizes to avoid deep hooking and improve release rates. A sliding sinker rig with barrel swivel allows the bait to stay on the bottom, but allows the fish to take it without resistance. The weight of the sinker is dictated by the strength of the current, so have weights anywhere between 4 and 26 ounces. So, having a tackle box that covers all bases is important.

Sturgeon Bait and Strategies

Sturgeon search primarily by scent. They have poor vision, so lures with flash won’t be effective. The most critical factor in catching sturgeon is fresh, odiferous bait. Common baits include salmon roe, lamprey, sand shrimp, smelt, sardines, shad, squid, nightcrawlers and pile worms. The key word is “fresh”. Fish are attracted to bait by its blood, guts, or slime coating. Double the frequency of bait changes you would normally make.

The usual method is bottom fishing. Fish in deep holes, pools, shelves, or places with slow to moderate current and a silty bottom. Hold your rod tip up current to prevent the bait from drifting. When a sturgeon takes your bait you will feel a series of taps or a gentle pull, rather than a strike. It’s important to avoid a soft hookset. Only set the hook once the fish has made a firm pull, then lift the rod and pull in the line. Circle hooks will find their way into the corner of the fish’s mouth, so there’s no need to hookset.

After 45 minutes without bites, change locations. Sturgeon follow bottom trails and there’s no sense hanging out in a bad spot. Also, there are seasonal considerations. The best time to fish is spring and fall, when water temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees.

How to Release Sturgeon

Handling is where novice anglers go wrong. The four most important factors in post-release mortality are hooking location, fight time, time out of water and water temperature. Here’s how to avoid damaging the fish.

First, use tackle of sufficient size to land fish quickly. Long fights lead to exhaustion, and a buildup of lactic acid. Prolonged fight times due to inadequate tackle are more likely to cause delayed death.

Second, never lift a sturgeon out of the water. Keep the fish in the water to remove the hook, measure and take pictures. In California, it is illegal to lift any white sturgeon greater than 60 inches out of the water. Even without a specific regulation, the best way to increase survival is to keep the fish wet. Be ready with your camera before you haul the fish into the boat.

Third, don’t touch the gills and don’t use a tail loop or grabbing device that could harm the fish if it thrashes. Dampen your hands. If the sturgeon is exhausted, go to the bottom of the river and keep its mouth open and head facing upstream so water will flow over its gills. Do not release until it swims away. Likewise, if you catch a tagged sturgeon, do not remove the tag and report the tag number to your state fish and wildlife agency.

Sturgeon Fishing Regulations by State

State fishing regulations vary greatly between states, regions and seasons. In some cases, catch and release is permitted year-round, whereas in other cases, fishing for sturgeon is limited to a small window of opportunity. California mandates a Sturgeon Report Card (free for the 2025-2026 season) that must be filled out regardless of whether sturgeon are caught. Washington requires a Catch Record Card and bans all fishing, including catch and release, once the angler’s annual limit has been reached. In many states, anglers need to obtain a special license, endorsement or tag in addition to a fishing license.

Emergency rule changes can change the regulations mid-season, so be sure to check your state’s fish and wildlife website for the latest information. It is essential. Oregon and Washington share Columbia River sturgeon management through a Compact process, so regulations can change quickly based on quota decisions. Don’t rely on last year’s regulations. So, it is important to develop the habit of checking regulations every week during the sturgeon season for your own safety and the resource.

Book Your First Sturgeon Fishing Adventure

Angling for sturgeon is about patience, preparation and appreciation for the fishery. It takes a little time to understand the techniques but the thrill of catching a fish that was alive before the time of the dinosaurs is unmatched in fresh water fishing.

If you want to fast-track your understanding and enjoy top-notch sturgeon fishing with a guide, contact Hooke’em Up Guide Service. Their captains are experts in the water, with the fish and the know-how to safely and responsibly land beginners on trophy-sized sturgeon. Contact one of their captains today and make a fishing memory you’ll never forget.

What to Expect on a Portland Sturgeon Fishing Trip

A Portland sturgeon fishing trip is unlike almost any other freshwater fishing experience in North America. These fish are thousands of years old. When you hook one, it is more like big-game fishing than a day out on the river. Understanding what actually happens on a Portland sturgeon fishing trip helps set realistic expectations. This fishery is founded on patience, power and conservation.

The Portland Sturgeon Fishing.

Portland sturgeon fishing revolves around white sturgeon that is the largest freshwater fish in North America. These fish inhabit both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers which pass directly through the Portland metro region. White sturgeon are bottom feeders, and they are mostly found in deep holes, ledges and current seams. The habitat also determines the way they are targeted by the angler. Sturgeon fishing can be characterized by anchoring, bait soaking and waiting until a light bite occurs and transforms into a long, powerful battle in a few seconds.

Why Portland makes a great sturgeon destination.

The city of Portland is located at the intersection of two large river systems in which sturgeon are migrating. The Columbia River, particularly below Bonneville Dam, has one of the most available populations of sturgeon in the Pacific Northwest. Sturgeon are also supported by the Willamette River, especially at the point of converging with the Columbia, and this provides more opportunities near the city. This closeness can enable guided trips to be available throughout the year and Portland is one of the select large cities whereby an angler can catch trophy-size sturgeon within minutes of downtown.

What a Typical Guided Sturgeon Fishing Trip Looks Like

Most Portland sturgeon fishing trips are guided and conducted from boats designed to handle heavy tackle and strong currents. The guides typically provide all the rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait so that the angler can concentrate on the experience and not on the equipment. Once launched, the guide goes to established sturgeon holdings areas and secures the boat. Offerings baited include fresh smelt, sand shrimp, anchovies, or squid and then dropped directly to the bottom. A large portion of the day is devoted to observing rod tips in search of slight taps or slow bends which are an indication of a bite. When a sturgeon is hooked the battle may last as long as several minutes, or more than half an hour, according to the size of the fish.

Portland Sturgeon Fishing Seasonal Expectations.

Sturgeon is found all year long in the Portland region, although the seasons are different. The spring is usually a more active season with the rise in water temperature and the movement of fish. Summer is fruitful, though it is usually necessary to get up early before the boats congest the water. Fall is commonly believed to be one of the occasions when action is always consistent, and cooling water can cause aggressive feeding. The season most discussed is winter due to the lack of retention slots, although a few days during the year are not covered by the short harvest seasons. Catch and Release fishing is quite popular among those who are ready to fish in the cold and are not afraid of slow bites.

Catch and Release and Harvest Regulations.

Most of the Portland sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release. The past decade has seen a massive decrease in White Sturgeon populations of the Columbia River system, leading to stringent management of White Sturgeon by Oregon and Washington fishery agencies. Retention seasons are highly restricted and usually only take place on certain days of the winter period, in some cases closing in weeks and even days after quotas have been reached. Size limitations are strictly regulated with slot limits, i.e. only fish within a specific length can be retained. Big sturgeon longer than 54 inches fork length should never be taken out of the water and should be released. Most of the anglers expect to take photos of the fish and release it quickly and carefully.

Equipment, Method and the Truth of the Bite.

The fishing equipment involved in sturgeon fishing is specialized and heavy with heavy rods, large reels, heavy braided line and sufficient weight to keep the bottom in vigorous currents. The bites are usually surprisingly delicate in spite of the size of the gear. Sturgeon might suck the bait a few times before striking, and this demands patience and restraint on the part of the angler who is accustomed to violent attacks. Guides instruct clients to back the hook at a gradual pace instead of sudden jerks. It is one of the reasons why guided trips are worthwhile, particularly to first-time sturgeon anglers.

Is a Portland Sturgeon Fishing Trip Worth It

For anglers who enjoy patience, power, and unique freshwater challenges, a Portland sturgeon fishing trip offers a memorable experience.

The opportunity to fish a prehistoric fish and the skills and experience of local guides make it a trip that is both thrilling and informative.Make yours possible with Hook’em Up. A Portland sturgeon fishing trip delivers something few fisheries can.

Salmon or Sturgeon: How to Choose Your Next Portland Fishing Charter

If you’re looking at Portland salmon and sturgeon fishing charters and can’t decide which trip fits your group, you’re in good company. As a Portland guide who spends most of the year on the Columbia and Willamette, I hear this question all the time. 

The good news is that there’s no wrong answer. Both salmon and sturgeon trips are fun; they just offer very different kinds of action. Once you match your goals to the right style of trip, the choice gets much easier.

Salmon trips near Portland

A Portland salmon fishing trip is about bright, hard-hitting fish that make long runs and end up on the grill. Most days, we troll or sit in travel lanes with bait and flashers and watch for that sudden slam when a Chinook or Coho buries the rod and starts peeling line. 

The fight is fast and athletic; fish surge, shake, and sometimes jump. You won’t be hooked up all the time, but each bite is a big moment and, when seasons are open, a good day can mean a few solid hookups and fresh fillets in the cooler on the ride home.

Sturgeon trips near Portland

Portland sturgeon fishing is a different style of thrill, built around size and power. White sturgeon are prehistoric-looking fish that often run four to seven feet. We anchor in deeper holes, drop bait to the bottom, and watch the rod tips for that heavy thump when a sturgeon picks up. At first, it can feel like a snag, then the fish comes alive. 

Sturgeon lean on the current, dig for the bottom, and make long, heavy runs that leave your arms tired. On most Portland salmon and sturgeon fishing charters, they’re strictly catch and release, so the payoff is the tug of war and a quick photo before you watch a giant swim away.

Action, fight, and who each trip is best for

So which trip fits your group better? Start with the kind of action you want. Salmon trips can have quiet stretches while you wait for the next bite, but every hookup is explosive, and you may head home with fillets in the cooler. 

Sturgeon trips often bring steadier action because every fish is released, so on a good day, it’s common to hook several fish. If you love fast runs and jumping fish, salmon will be your style. If you enjoy a long, heavy battle where you can lean on the rod and feel pure power, sturgeon is a better match. 

For kids and brand new anglers, I usually lean toward sturgeon because bites are more frequent, and we can always trade off on a big one if someone gets tired.

How timing, conditions, and rules affect the choice

The time of year plays a big role when you’re choosing between Portland salmon and sturgeon fishing charters. In months with strong salmon runs, it usually makes sense to focus on salmon if you want fish for the table. 

In the gaps between runs, or during winter when salmon options are limited, sturgeon often becomes the best choice. River conditions matter too. Highly dirty water can make salmon finicky, while sturgeon often keep biting when visibility is poor. 

Regulations are another part of the puzzle because salmon seasons and rare sturgeon retention days change throughout the year. All of this is why it pays to talk with a local guide before you lock in a plan and to stay flexible if conditions or rules shift.

What to expect on the boat

Regardless of species, Portland fishing trips look similar on the water. You meet your guide at the ramp early, load up, then run to the first spot on the Columbia or Willamette. The guide supplies the boat, safety gear, rods, bait, and tackle, and shows everyone what to watch for and what to do when a rod buries. 

You don’t need to be an expert; you only need to listen, ask questions, and enjoy the day while the captain handles boat control and the technical details. During the trip, the guide moves as needed, changes baits or gear, and coaches each angler through the fight. Beginners get as much help as they want, from talking through every step to sharing the rod if a big sturgeon is more work than one person wants.

Ready to book your next charter

If you’re looking at Portland salmon and sturgeon fishing charters and you’re still not sure which way to go, the best move is to reach out to a professional guide service and talk it through. Share your target dates, who’s coming, any kids or older guests in the group, and whether you care more about action, size, or bringing home fish for dinner. 

A local captain who runs Portland salmon fishing and Portland sturgeon fishing trips all season can point you toward the option that fits your goals and the conditions. When you’re ready, get your day on the calendar and let your guide build the perfect Portland fishing trip for your next adventure.

How to Cook Sturgeon Like a Portland River Guide

Sturgeon is Portland’s most iconic river fish, and when you handle it like a guide, it eats like a tender white steak. This no-nonsense playbook covers how to cook sturgeon from legally sourced fish, whether you buy farmed white sturgeon or fish catch-and-release for the thrill, then bring home market fillets. 

We’ll nail the two most important steps first, bleed and ice, then walk through three reliable cooking methods with exact temps and times, plus safety, storage, and flavor moves built for Portland tastes.

What’s Legal and Where to Buy Sturgeon (Portland Quick Guide)

Most Portland anglers fish the lower Columbia and the lower Willamette, which are catch-and-release only for white sturgeon in 2025. Limited keeper seasons occur in certain upriver pools and above Willamette Falls, with strict slot lengths and low annual limits. Always check current ODFW and WDFW updates before any trip. 

For shared Columbia boundary waters, an Oregon or Washington license is valid, but you must follow the rules of the state you are fishing in and carry the required tags. The simplest legal way to cook sturgeon at home is to purchase farmed white sturgeon from a reputable seafood market. 

It is consistent, sustainable, and avoids wild-stock pressure. Add a standing disclaimer to your recipe card: cook only legally harvested or commercially sourced sturgeon, and verify current regulations before any harvest.

Prep Like a Guide (Bleed, Ice, Trim, Portion)

Bleed immediately. A quick gill or tail cut and a short bleed make the meat cleaner and milder. Ice right away in a slushy cooler to keep the texture firm. Remove scutes and skin, then trim away the dark bloodline so the flavor stays sweet and neutral. For fillets, lift out the central cartilage and any rib cartilage. Portion into 1-inch medallions for pan-searing or 1 to 1½-inch steaks for grilling. Pat very dry before seasoning so browning is crisp, not steamy.

Pan-Seared Sturgeon Medallions

Ingredients:

Sturgeon medallions, kosher salt, black pepper, high-heat oil, butter, crushed garlic, thyme or rosemary, lemon wedges.

Method

1. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high with a thin film of oil. Pat medallions dry, season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Sear 3 to 4 minutes without moving until golden and the fish releases.
3. Flip, drop in butter, garlic, and herbs, then baste for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Cook to 135 to 140°F internal, opaque, and just flaking. FDA safe finish is 145°F if you prefer fully well-done.
5. Rest 2 to 3 minutes, finish with lemon and a spoonful of pan butter.

Grilled Sturgeon Steaks

Ingredients:

Sturgeon steaks, olive or vegetable oil, kosher salt, black pepper, optional lemon-herb marinade, lemon to finish.

Method:

1. Set a two-zone grill, one side high for searing, one side medium-low for finishing. Clean and oil the grate.
2. Pat steaks dry, oil lightly, and season. If marinated, scrape off excess to prevent flare-ups.
3. Sear over high heat about 2 minutes per side for color.
4. Move to the cool zone, close the lid, and finish 3 to 6 minutes to 135 to 140°F internal. Use 145°F if you want the FDA target.
5. Avoid sugary sauces over direct heat. Glaze in the last minute on the cool side. Rest for 5 minutes and hit with lemon.

Smoked Sturgeon That Stays Moist

Brine and Pellicle

Use 1 quart of water, ½ cup of kosher salt, and ½ cup of brown sugar as a simple wet brine. Add bay, peppercorns, or a splash of soy if you like. Brine 4 to 6 hours for 1-inch pieces, up to 8 to 12 hours for thicker cuts. Rinse, pat very dry, then air-dry on a rack until tacky to form a pellicle. This step helps the smoke adhere and keeps the surface from weeping.

Smoke and Finish

1. Preheat the smoker to 160 to 180°F with mild wood like apple, cherry, or alder.
2. Place fish on racks, smoke 3 to 4 hours until lightly bronzed and fragrant.
3. Target 135 to 140°F internal for a moist texture, or 145°F for a fully safe finish.
4. Optional light glaze in the final 30 minutes. Cool, then serve warm or chilled.

Common Mistakes and Easy Fixes

Overcooking makes sturgeon firm and dry. Use a thermometer and pull it around 135 to 140°F, then rest. Skipping the bleed and ice leads to stronger flavors that you cannot fix later. No pellicle before smoking means weak smoke adhesion and blotchy texture, so always dry the surface first. Too much smoke or dirty, billowing smoke tastes bitter, so aim for thin, clean smoke. 

Sugary marinades scorch on high heat; finish them in the cool zone. No two-zone control on the grill burns the exterior before the center cooks, so set a cool zone. Failing to pat dry ruins the sear; always dry the fish before it hits hot metal.

Storage, Leftovers, and Safety

Cook fish to safe temps. The FDA recommends 145°F for finfish, while many cooks prefer pulling at 135 to 140°F with carryover. Cool leftovers within two hours, store in shallow containers, and eat within three to four days. Reheat gently, just to hot, or to 165°F for leftovers if you want the USDA target. 

Thaw raw sturgeon in the refrigerator, never on the counter. For health advisories, follow Oregon Health Authority guidance for Columbia and Willamette resident fish. Trim skin and fat, and if you are pregnant or cooking for kids, favor farmed sturgeon or heed meal-frequency advisories. Great leftover ideas include next-day tacos with cabbage and lime crema, a sturgeon salad with herbs and lemon, or flaking smoked sturgeon into a dip.

From River to Plate—How to Cook Sturgeon the Portland Way

Respect the fish, respect the rules, and your plate will reward you. Bleed and ice immediately, trim clean, then choose your method: fast pan-sear with butter and herbs, grill with two-zone control, or a gentle smoke after a proper brine and pellicle. Try a citrus-herb and pepper profile for bright, grill-forward meals, or a soy-ginger-garlic glaze with a touch of sweetness for umami-rich sears. 

Source legally, buy farmed white sturgeon when in doubt, and always check the latest regulations before you fish. Ready to put this into practice? Book a Portland catch-and-release sturgeon charter for the fight of your life, then pick up farmed fillets and cook along with this guide at home.

The Portland, Oregon area is an angler’s paradise, a unique urban hub where two of the world’s most incredible rivers—the Willamette and the mighty Columbia—converge. These waters are home to two of the most sought-after gamefish in North America: the powerful, high-flying Salmon and the colossal, prehistoric Sturgeon.

If you’re looking to book a Portland fishing charter, you’re faced with a fantastic choice: Do you chase the chrome torpedoes of the Pacific, or do you test your mettle against a living dinosaur?

The point isn’t to determine the “better” fish, but to assist in determining the “better” adventure for you. Let us deconstruct the salmon vs sturgeon charter experience so you can make your ideal day on the water.

The Battle: Acrobatic Sprinter vs. Heavyweight Brawler

The real reason you choose one over the other is the battle. Selecting one is no different than choosing the type of prize fight you like the best.

A Salmon is the river’s sprinter. When a Chinook or Coho salmon takes the bait, the reaction is electric and immediate. The fight is a series of blistering, high-speed runs that can strip hundreds of feet of line from your reel in the blink of an eye. They are notorious for changing direction on a dime, shaking their heads violently, and launching their entire silver bodies into the air. It’s a dynamic, heart-pounding battle that demands quick reactions and finesse.

A Sturgeon, by contrast, is the undisputed heavyweight titleholder. The first bite can be unexpectedly gentle, but then comes the revelation of pure, raw power. Hooking a large sturgeon is like grabbing the bottom of the river, until the bottom begins to move.

The battle goes the way of a deep, ancient tug-of-war, a trial by leverage and endurance. The giants will often remain down low and utilize their huge weight and the surging current to their benefit. While they do and will come flying up out of the water in a dramatic demonstration of their strength, the nature of the battle is a prolonged test of wills that can persist for the better part of an hour.

The Bounty: Valuable Fillets or a Picture-Perfect Memory?

Your reason for taking the trip makes a difference. Are you wanting to stock the freezer full of the world’s finest-tasting fish, or are you after the experience of the catch?

A salmon trip is about harvest. Because hatchery efforts have been successful, any salmon an angler catches can usually be kept. Nothing can compare to the experience of wrestling a large King Salmon and then sharing the delicious, rich fillets for weeks to come with family and friends. It’s a payoff that is exciting in the moment and tasty for weeks to come.

A sturgeon trip, however, is almost entirely catch-and-release. The massive, trophy-class fish you’ll be targeting are protected and must be returned to the river to fight another day. The reward here is the fight itself, the connection to a creature that has been swimming in these waters since the age of the dinosaurs, and the incredible photos of you next to a fish that can easily be longer than you are tall.

Timing Your Adventure

Your calendar can help you too. While there’s a fair amount of overlap, they each reach their prime time.

There are waves to the salmon runs. Spring Chinook, the “Springers,” are the prize for the months March to May. The “June Hogs” come in the summertime. The activity peaks from August to October for the huge fall Chinook and Coho runs.

Trophy sturgeon fishing gets in the groove during May until early fall. That is when the river has hordes of baitfish and the larger sturgeon are on the bite, giving the greatest chance to hook up to a real river monster. That leaves a fantastic time period from late spring until early fall when both fisheries are red hot.

The Angler’s Paradox: The “Great Problem to Have”

So, how does one choose? Adrenaline-fueled, acrobatic fight of a salmon in the prospect of a delicious harvest? Or the back-holding, ultimate test of strength and endurance in an actual freshwater titan?

Choosing between these two world-class experiences is a good problem to have. But what if you didn’t have to decide?

For the majority of our anglers, the answer is our Salmon & Sturgeon Combo Charter. The charters enable you to experience the thrill of trolling for salmon and the raw power of wrestling sturgeon in one day. The charter has become so popular in the spring for a reason. Call us to learn how to book this Portland fishing trip to remember.

Portland’s Sturgeon Fishing Season 2025: What to Expect

Portland, Oregon, has long been a prime destination for anglers seeking the thrill of sturgeon fishing. The Columbia River, which flows through the city, is home to some of the largest sturgeon in the world, drawing both seasoned fishermen and those new to the sport. As we move into 2025, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has implemented several changes to the sturgeon fishing regulations in the region, making it essential for anglers to stay updated on the latest rules and expectations. This article explores the sturgeon fishing season for 2025, providing key insights into what anglers can expect, from regulations to conservation efforts.

Overview of Sturgeon Fishing in Portland

Sturgeon fishing in Portland is primarily focused on the Columbia River, which stretches across Oregon and Washington and is home to both white sturgeon and the lesser-known green sturgeon. White sturgeon, the larger of the two species, can grow up to 12 feet in length and weigh over 1,500 pounds, though such large specimens are rare. The Columbia River’s sturgeon population has made it one of the most popular sturgeon fishing spots in the country, attracting anglers from all over the Pacific Northwest.

The fishing season for sturgeon has traditionally been a mix of open and closed periods, with strict regulations governing the retention of fish to ensure sustainability. In recent years, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has had to make several adjustments to these regulations due to fluctuating sturgeon populations, with the goal of maintaining healthy fish numbers while still providing opportunities for recreational fishing.

Changes to Sturgeon Fishing Regulations for 2025

As 2025 begins, anglers will notice some important changes to the regulations surrounding sturgeon fishing in the Portland area. The most significant change is the closure of sturgeon retention in the Columbia River, which means that anglers are no longer allowed to keep any sturgeon they catch. This is a temporary measure put in place to allow the population to recover and to protect the species from overfishing. While this change may be disappointing for some, it is an essential step toward ensuring that sturgeon populations remain stable in the future.

Despite the retention closure, sturgeon fishing will still be allowed under the catch-and-release program. This means that anglers will be able to catch sturgeon but must release them back into the water unharmed. This practice is vital for ensuring the health of the sturgeon population, as it allows fish to continue reproducing and growing without the pressure of overfishing.

Specific Regulations for Sturgeon Fishing in 2025

While the catch-and-release rule will apply to most of the Columbia River, certain areas will have specific regulations to follow. For example, the John Day Pool, located in the Columbia River between the John Day Dam and the Bonneville Dam, will have a sturgeon fishing season that opens on January 1, 2025. This season will run until the quota for the area is met, with fishing allowed seven days a week.

The John Day Pool is a popular spot for sturgeon fishing because of its relatively high sturgeon population and good access points. However, anglers will need to follow strict size limits to ensure compliance with conservation efforts. The legal size for retention in the John Day Pool is 43 inches to 54 inches in fork length. Only one sturgeon can be kept per day, and it must fall within these size limits.

For those fishing in other areas of the Columbia River, such as the Bonneville Pool or the Dalles Pool, specific regulations may vary. The ODFW regularly updates these rules based on sturgeon population assessments, so anglers are advised to check the most current regulations before heading out.

The Importance of Conservation in Sturgeon Fishing

The decision to close sturgeon retention in 2025 comes as part of a broader conservation effort to protect the sturgeon population in the Columbia River. Over the years, the sturgeon population has faced numerous threats, including habitat degradation, water pollution, and overfishing. While the fish are known for their longevity, with some individuals living to over 100 years, their reproductive rates are relatively slow. This means that overfishing or environmental stress can have long-lasting impacts on the population.

By implementing a catch-and-release policy and placing restrictions on sturgeon retention, the ODFW is aiming to reduce the pressure on sturgeon numbers and allow the fish to reproduce and thrive. The closure is expected to be a temporary measure, with the possibility of reopening the retention season once the population reaches a sustainable level.

Additionally, the ODFW has worked closely with other organizations, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to improve habitat conditions in the Columbia River. This includes efforts to restore wetlands, improve water quality, and manage invasive species that threaten native fish populations. These habitat improvements are designed to create a more favorable environment for sturgeon, as well as other fish species in the region.

Tips for Catch-and-Release Sturgeon Fishing

Although the 2025 regulations may be disappointing for those hoping to keep their catch, catch-and-release sturgeon fishing can still be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to ensure a successful and sustainable catch-and-release fishing trip:

1. Use the Right Gear: Sturgeon are large and powerful fish, so it’s essential to use the proper gear. A medium to heavy-duty rod with a strong reel and a 50-80 lb test line is recommended. Since sturgeon are bottom feeders, using a sinker to keep the bait near the riverbed will increase your chances of attracting a fish.
2. Handle Sturgeon Gently: When releasing sturgeon, it’s crucial to handle the fish as gently as possible to minimize stress and injury. Avoid lifting the fish by its head or gills. Instead, support the fish by its body and use wet hands or gloves to protect its slimy coating. If the fish is too large to handle easily, use a cradle net to guide it back into the water.
3. Quickly Release the Fish: Sturgeon are hardy, but like all fish, they can be stressed by extended handling. Once the fish has been reeled in, remove the hook quickly and release the fish back into the water. If the fish is exhausted, allow it to swim in place until it regains its strength.
4. Respect Size Limits: While the retention of sturgeon is closed, some areas may still have size limits for catch-and-release fishing. Ensure that you are familiar with the specific size requirements for the area in which you are fishing.

Sturgeon Fishing Beyond 2025

As 2025 progresses, anglers can expect further updates and adjustments to the sturgeon fishing regulations based on population assessments. If the sturgeon population continues to recover, there may be opportunities for the retention season to reopen in the future. The key to this is sustainable fishing practices, including adherence to size limits, gear restrictions, and catch-and-release practices. It’s essential for anglers to continue supporting these efforts to ensure that future generations can enjoy sturgeon fishing in Portland’s iconic waters.

The sturgeon fishing season in Portland for 2025 will be a unique experience for anglers, with a focus on conservation and sustainable fishing practices. While the closure of sturgeon retention is a significant change, the catch-and-release regulations provide an opportunity for anglers to enjoy the sport while helping to protect the species. With strict size limits, catch-and-release protocols, and ongoing habitat restoration efforts, sturgeon fishing in Portland will continue to be an exciting and environmentally responsible activity. As always, anglers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest regulations and to fish responsibly to help preserve the sturgeon population for future generations.