Fishing for Sturgeon
Identification, habitat, techniques, and tackle—then find a captain who targets them.
Sturgeon (family Acipenseridae) are unmistakable: long, torpedo-shaped bodies armored with five rows of bony scutes, a flattened snout, barbels in front of a protrusible, toothless mouth, and a
Sturgeon occupy rivers, estuaries, lakes and reservoirs depending on species and life stage. Freshwater species (lake and some river sturgeon) prefer deep pools, main-channel runs and lake basins,
Most sturgeon fishing is bait-focused and bottom-oriented. Popular presentations are anchored or slowly drifting bait rigs with large chunks of oily fish (herring, salmon), squid, shrimp, clams,
Use stout gear: medium-heavy to heavy conventional or spinning rods rated for 20–80 lb line for most river and lake sturgeon, and beefier 80–200+ lb setups for large coastal white or beluga sturgeon.
Ready to target sturgeon? Connect with a local guide below or search all captains.
Captains Who Target Sturgeon
No captains in our directory currently list sturgeon as a species they target. Browse all captains to find someone who might target it, or check back later as our network grows.