Columbia River Keeper Sturgeon Seasons
**UPDATE: No 2023 Sturgeon Retention in Astoria
Due to the decline of juvenile sized sturgeon in proportion to the population, there will not be a keeper sturgeon season in Astoria in 2023. While being able to retain a white sturgeon may be on some bucket lists, not having a keeper sturgeon season this spring does have it perks. First off, it lets us keep our focus on the incredible spring chinook salmon run that will be taking place through May, maybe even into June, in Portland this year. We’re expecting almost 75k chinook to head into the Willamette River, with extra opportunities on the Columbia through April 7th, which is when it’s slated to close. Secondly, the trophy catch and release sturgeon fishery out of Astoria is something to behold. There’s no pressure and lots of action as anglers wrangle the largest fresh water species in North America. Come try your luck this June or July and you’ll quickly see what I mean.
Astoria Keeper Sturgeon Season
We’ll have to wait to see what 2024 brings in terms of a keeper season in the Columbia River Estuary . As the water begins to warm up in the estuary, sturgeon from all over converge to gorge on the bait fish that have arrived. It’s an exciting time in Astoria. Keeper sturgeon are typically 20-40 lbs, which will provide many delicious meals. Smoke it. Grill it. Fry it. Kabob it. Do whatever you like. The firm, white, boneless flesh from a sturgeon can be used in almost every way imaginable. Come join us to wrangle some fish!
Columbia River Trophy Sturgeon Season
The fun doesn’t end on the Columbia River or in Astoria when retention ends on June 4th, we simply shift gears to our Astoria Trophy Sturgeon season, one of the most action packed fisheries of the year. We’ll be fighting these fish through July, where anglers of all ages and abilities can take on big fish on light gear. Sometimes we’re in 3-6 feet of water, and it’s not uncommon to see sturgeon launch out of the water as you’re reeling them in. There’s no other fishing experience like it in the world, and once you’ve taken part, you’ll be hooked.
With only 9 days of keeper sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River, these trips will fill quickly. Questions? Ready to reserve your seat? Let us know how we can help!