Columbia River Sturgeon Charter
Join me for a Columbia River Sturgeon fishing adventure! These prehistoric beasts can grow to over 1,000 pounds. Their massive size means heavyweight memories that you treasure long after your trip is over. We regularly see fish over 8 feet in length. Changes to habitat means that sturgeon fishing is now limited to only a few rivers. The Columbia is one of them.
In the estuary these mighty fish transform into acrobats. Being hooked to a 300 lb fish tail walking across the shallows is an unforgettable experience. Their ability to launch themselves into the air rivals that of tarpon and marlin. A Columbia River Sturgeon fishing charter is a great way to create massive smiles and memories that last a lifetime.
Peak Season: March -June
Full Day: $250/Seat, $1,100 Private Boat (max 5)
Trip Includes:
✓ All Fishing Gear
✓ Bait and Lures
✓ Fish Filleting and Cleaning
✓ Ice and Bags for Fish
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Trip Details
Departure Locations
John Day County Park (March through June)
West Basin Marina (June through mid-October)
What Do I Bring on a Sturgeon Fishing Charter?
Weather appropriate clothing
Drinks
Snacks and lunch
What License Do I need?
Annual License Options
Oregon Fishing License with Columbia River Basin Endorsement and Sturgeon Tag
Washington Freshwater Fishing License with Catch Record Card
Daily License Options
Oregon daily license with Columbia River Basin Endorsement
Washington Daily Combination License
What to Expect During a Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing Charter
I will let you know the exact meeting time and location a day or so ahead of time. Sturgeon bite best during slack tides with the high tide being the absolute best. Just as importantly, I will try to find locations where there is as little wind and chop as possible. Keeping the gear still on the bottom is another key to catching sturgeon.
During the early season, our destination will be the flats near the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge. Not only does this area have excellent sturgeon fishing, it’s also home to lots of migratory birds and other wildlife.
Hooking a Sturgeon
I will get the baits ready and cast them out into likely spots. Live sand shrimp are the best bait but I also use squid, anchovies, and herring depending on what’s available. When the rod starts to twitch, my favorite part begins. We’ll wait to make sure the sturgeon is working the bait. The hard part to gently lift the rod from the rod holder, trying not to pull the line tight. Once you feel the sturgeon grab the bait you’ll pull back as hard as you can. When the hook sets you would be forgiven for thinking that you’ve hooked a city bus.
Reeling in a massive sturgeon can be some serious work. There is no shame in trading off the rod if you get tired. A big fish can take a half hour or more to bring to the boat. Regulations do not allow us to take a sturgeon out of the water if it is longer than 56 inches. If you want to wade near the shore with a particularly large fish I can gently bring the boat over. If this is your plan, you might want to bring a towel to dry off afterwards. Most of the time I tail rope the fish. This old them still while we take pictures and prepare to release them.
