Astoria Sturgeon Fishing Charters

Astoria Sturgeon fishing charters are great. But what is even greater is the Sturgeon fish itself.

Sturgeon fish are easily spotted thanks to their bony exterior. It is the third-largest living species when it comes to bony fish. Overall, it is the largest freshwater fish in North America.

What makes it quite the catch is that, for one, it is a prehistoric fish that can live up to 100 years and only reach maturity when it is 25 years old. According to some historians, Sturgeon dates back to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Something that makes the Sturgeon all the more interesting is its fantastic sense of smell and taste.

As you let all that Sturgeon goodness sink in, let’s learn some more.

Why Choose Astoria, Oregon for Sturgeon Fishing

The Pacific Northwest is indeed known as the best sturgeon fishing spot in the world. In fact, Astoria has the best Sturgeon fishing Oregon has to offer.

Why?

First the sturgeon fishing charters here are the best. You’ll get professional teams, great company, exceptional guidance, and the best equipment. Second, the Sturgeon fish found here are delicious, big, and available in good quantity. And third, this area(Astoria) has all the right conditions for the Sturgeon fish to thrive.

Everything You Need to Know About Fishing for Sturgeon Fishing in Astoria

Keeping the Astoria Endangered Sturgeon Population Going

The catch and release program is in place to keep the species going since there has been both overfishing and poaching of female Sturgeon for their caviar. You’re allowed to catch and hold the white Sturgeon but not the green Sturgeon. Given the reduced number of Sturgeon overall, it is, therefore, prudent to respect the laws in place and keep the species going

Breeding Season for Sturgeon Fish

During June through to September, you will find Sturgeon feeding on prey fish that swamp the estuary during the summer. The common practice in the fishing community is to breed the sturgeon fish between May up to early June and let them out to feed on other fish and thus reproduce.

Best Time to Fish for Sturgeon in Astoria

The peak times for sturgeon fishing are between the 20^th of May to the 31^st of July. The Sturgeon is known to be morning feeders. Therefore, you want to be in the Columbia estuary between 10 am and 1 pm, where they taper off as the day goes on. By the time it’s well into the afternoon, the sturgeon fish are pretty full from their morning feeding and thus don’t bite well.

Best Areas to Fish for Sturgeon

In the past couple of years, sturgeon fishing is restricted between the Wauna power lines down to Buoy 10 on the Columbia River. It extends to Youngs Bay and Washington tributaries. It is not unheard of for an expert fisher to catch up to 40 fish per day.

The length of the Sturgeon caught is quite impressive; one can get a fish that’s 71 inches. For perspective, it is shy of a six-foot-tall person. Finding a catch weighing 500 pounds does happen too.

But Why Bother Fishing for the Sturgeon?

What makes the Sturgeon fish something worth catching? fresh is the flavor and great is the consistency it offers. The best way to eat the fish is raw. You can either have it as sashimi, in sushi, or even in a marinade. While that’s what most people familiar with the fish opt for, having it boiled can also bring about the tender texture sturgeon is known for.

It’s worth getting an expert to make it for you when you catch this type of fish. It is a favorite among seafood lovers and thus worth getting it right to find out what the fuss is about.

Common Techniques Used to Catch Astoria Sturgeon Fish

Apart from what ends up on the table, guides take persons for sturgeon fishing because of how accessible the fish is. Within three to six feet of water, you can catch fish with a slight pull. Even a person new to fishing will enjoy the experience of seeing the prey they wish to capture. Overall, that makes for a fun time even for those with no fishing experience.

It is worth noting that there are two kinds of expeditions: catch and keep and catch and release. That is primarily based on the fishing location, and the charter you choose can tell you the difference.

Best Rod and Reel for Sturgeon Fishing

Ensure that you have large and rods and reels since the sturgeon fish can grow quite long and heavy. The drag system needs to be just as solid and adjustable since you will more than likely fight to get the fish out of the water. A 7’6” medium-heavy rod should work as it can handle up to 80 pounds.

Rigging

When fishing in a strong current, you have to use weights to keep the line at the bottom. As the current changes, you can either increase or decrease the weights. For this technique to succeed, use a strong leader to avoid it getting cut once it’s underwater. Sturgeon poor eyesight works in your favor; the size of the leader won’t be a problem, and they’ll still bite.

Hook and bait

Get a hook large enough to hold a whole fish bait or large cut baits too. The circle hook or the octopus hook will get the job done, and these should be between 5/0 and 8/0 in size. There isn’t a set species to get; only make sure it is fresh. The nightcrawlers are what people tend to gravitate toward, though shrimp, crawfish, and lamprey work too.

Why Choose Astoria for Your Next Guided Sturgeon Fishing Trip

The thrill of catching the Sturgeon fish is enough motivation to pull out your gear and head to sea. And not just anywhere; go to Astoria, the best Sturgeon fishing location Oregon has to offer. Here, you’ll get the best charters to take your fishing experiences notches higher, you’ll catch the best (big and attractive) Sturgeons, and the coastal views and breathtaking beauty of Astoria will top your Sundae with added experiences. Give it a try and share your experience with us.