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Astoria Sturgeon Fishing: Columbia River Guided Trips

If you’ve never tried catching these massive prehistoric beasts you’re in for a treat. They put up fights that rival other bucket list fish like tarpon and marlin. The catch and release fishery means lots of large fish. Because of this, my boat’s record stands at 9 feet. So far the top fish for 2026 was over 8 feet long. Will you catch a bigger one?

Sturgeon Fishing Peak Season:

June-July

Guided Sturgeon Trip Pricing:

Full Day: $250/Seat, $1,400 Private Boat (max 6 people)

Trip Includes:

✓ All Fishing Gear
✓ Bait and Lures
✓ Fish Filleting and Cleaning
✓ Ice and Bags for Fish

Latest Sturgeon Fishing Updates

What to Expect During a Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing Charter

Jeremy showing off an oversized sturgeon that he caught 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 Columbia RIver 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

On a sturgeon fishing charter is that I take care of all of the work. 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 fish is the whole point of a sturgeon fishing charter, but 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. Waders are also a good idea. Most of the time I tail rope the fish. This holds them still while we take pictures and prepare for the release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do your Columbia River Sturgeon Charters depart from?

John Day County Park (March through June)
West Basin Marina (June through mid-October)

Can I keep the fish I catch?

No. This is a catch and release only fishery

Do you provide fishing equipment?

Yes. I provide all off the rods, reels, and bait for the trip.

What Do I Bring on a Sturgeon Fishing Charter?

Weather appropriate clothing
Drinks
Snacks and lunch

Check out more tips for getting ready for your trip

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