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White Sturgeon

White Sturgeon

White Sturgeon are North America's largest freshwater fish, capable of reaching lengths over 10 feet and weights of hundreds of pounds. These prehistoric giants can live over 100 years and don't reach sexual maturity until 15-25 years old.

Scientific Name: Acipenser transmontanus

Physical Characteristics:
  • North America's largest freshwater fish, capable of reaching lengths over 10 feet and weights of hundreds of pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • White Sturgeon are amphidromous, traveling between freshwater and saltwater but spending most of their time in freshwater environments.
  • Found in the Columbia River system, Puget Sound, coastal areas, estuaries, and various Washington rivers.

Key Locations

  • Columbia River system (primary spawning population), Puget Sound, coastal areas, estuaries, and rivers including the Stillaguamish, Snohomish, Skagit, Chehalis, Naselle, and Bear rivers.
  • In the Columbia River, productive areas include below Bonneville Dam, Lake Roosevelt, and various pools between dams.

Specific Spots

  • Deep pools, holes, and areas with moderate to swift currents over sandy or rocky bottoms.

White Sturgeon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for White Sturgeon in Washington?

Fresh salmon roe (especially Chinook), lamprey (eel), sardines, shad, eulachon (smelt), sand shrimp, nightcrawlers, pile worms, crawfish, and various mollusks. Since sturgeon hunt primarily by smell, use the freshest bait possible and consider scent enhancers.

When is the best time to fish for White Sturgeon in Washington?

Peak sturgeon fishing seasons in Washington are May-June and October-November. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the best opportunities. Summer can be productive but avoid targeting spawning fish during April-July. Lake Roosevelt season: September 16-November 30.

How do you catch White Sturgeon in Washington?

Bottom fishing and drift fishing are primary techniques. Popular rigs include three-way swivel setups with 6-inch dropper lines for sinkers and 18-inch leaders.

What do White Sturgeon eat?

Bottom feeders with highly developed senses of smell, using sensitive barbels to locate prey. Their diet consists of small crustaceans, aquatic insects, mollusks, clams, crabs, shrimp, amphipods, and fish including herring, shad, flounder, sculpins, lamprey, and salmon. Young sturgeon primarily feed on Corophium spp.

Where do White Sturgeon live in Washington?

White Sturgeon are amphidromous, traveling between freshwater and saltwater but spending most of their time in freshwater environments. Found in the Columbia River system, Puget Sound, coastal areas, estuaries, and various Washington rivers.

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