What to Expect on a Portland Sturgeon Fishing Trip

A Portland sturgeon fishing trip is unlike almost any other freshwater fishing experience in North America. These fish are thousands of years old. When you hook one, it is more like big-game fishing than a day out on the river. Understanding what actually happens on a Portland sturgeon fishing trip helps set realistic expectations. This fishery is founded on patience, power and conservation.

The Portland Sturgeon Fishing.

Portland sturgeon fishing revolves around white sturgeon that is the largest freshwater fish in North America. These fish inhabit both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers which pass directly through the Portland metro region. White sturgeon are bottom feeders, and they are mostly found in deep holes, ledges and current seams. The habitat also determines the way they are targeted by the angler. Sturgeon fishing can be characterized by anchoring, bait soaking and waiting until a light bite occurs and transforms into a long, powerful battle in a few seconds.

Why Portland makes a great sturgeon destination.

The city of Portland is located at the intersection of two large river systems in which sturgeon are migrating. The Columbia River, particularly below Bonneville Dam, has one of the most available populations of sturgeon in the Pacific Northwest. Sturgeon are also supported by the Willamette River, especially at the point of converging with the Columbia, and this provides more opportunities near the city. This closeness can enable guided trips to be available throughout the year and Portland is one of the select large cities whereby an angler can catch trophy-size sturgeon within minutes of downtown.

What a Typical Guided Sturgeon Fishing Trip Looks Like

Most Portland sturgeon fishing trips are guided and conducted from boats designed to handle heavy tackle and strong currents. The guides typically provide all the rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait so that the angler can concentrate on the experience and not on the equipment. Once launched, the guide goes to established sturgeon holdings areas and secures the boat. Offerings baited include fresh smelt, sand shrimp, anchovies, or squid and then dropped directly to the bottom. A large portion of the day is devoted to observing rod tips in search of slight taps or slow bends which are an indication of a bite. When a sturgeon is hooked the battle may last as long as several minutes, or more than half an hour, according to the size of the fish.

Portland Sturgeon Fishing Seasonal Expectations.

Sturgeon is found all year long in the Portland region, although the seasons are different. The spring is usually a more active season with the rise in water temperature and the movement of fish. Summer is fruitful, though it is usually necessary to get up early before the boats congest the water. Fall is commonly believed to be one of the occasions when action is always consistent, and cooling water can cause aggressive feeding. The season most discussed is winter due to the lack of retention slots, although a few days during the year are not covered by the short harvest seasons. Catch and Release fishing is quite popular among those who are ready to fish in the cold and are not afraid of slow bites.

Catch and Release and Harvest Regulations.

Most of the Portland sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release. The past decade has seen a massive decrease in White Sturgeon populations of the Columbia River system, leading to stringent management of White Sturgeon by Oregon and Washington fishery agencies. Retention seasons are highly restricted and usually only take place on certain days of the winter period, in some cases closing in weeks and even days after quotas have been reached. Size limitations are strictly regulated with slot limits, i.e. only fish within a specific length can be retained. Big sturgeon longer than 54 inches fork length should never be taken out of the water and should be released. Most of the anglers expect to take photos of the fish and release it quickly and carefully.

Equipment, Method and the Truth of the Bite.

The fishing equipment involved in sturgeon fishing is specialized and heavy with heavy rods, large reels, heavy braided line and sufficient weight to keep the bottom in vigorous currents. The bites are usually surprisingly delicate in spite of the size of the gear. Sturgeon might suck the bait a few times before striking, and this demands patience and restraint on the part of the angler who is accustomed to violent attacks. Guides instruct clients to back the hook at a gradual pace instead of sudden jerks. It is one of the reasons why guided trips are worthwhile, particularly to first-time sturgeon anglers.

Is a Portland Sturgeon Fishing Trip Worth It

For anglers who enjoy patience, power, and unique freshwater challenges, a Portland sturgeon fishing trip offers a memorable experience.

The opportunity to fish a prehistoric fish and the skills and experience of local guides make it a trip that is both thrilling and informative.Make yours possible with Hook’em Up. A Portland sturgeon fishing trip delivers something few fisheries can.