Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing Guide
Taking a fishing trip with a Columbia River sturgeon fishing guide is guaranteed to be full of action! Sturgeon jump and thrash as they’re caught on the line providing a fun and exciting catching experience. We’re often blessed with double or even triple hook-ups at one time.
At maturity white sturgeon, commonly called “dinosaur fish” due to their prehistoric genetics, average upwards of 5 feet long. It’s not uncommon for our guests to reel in a sturgeon as large as 8 feet long. Too large to even get the fish in the boat!
2021 Sturgeon Retention Season
For the 2021 sturgeon season on the Columbia River, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife has set a limited retention season. Typically a catch a release fishery most of the year, the agency has set certain dates, times, and limitations on the size of fish we’re allowed to keep. Below are the ODFW regulations for the area Hazen’s Guide Service usually fishes, near Astoria, Oregon.
COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 upstream to Wauna Powerlines
Area definition: From the Wauna powerlines (River Mile 40) downstream to the mouth at Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay; and all adjacent Washington tributaries.
Permanent rules for sturgeon are in effect, including closed to the retention of sturgeon, except for the following modifications:
- This area will be open to retention of white sturgeon on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays during May 10, 2021 through June 5, 2021 (12 days: May 10, May 12, May 15, May 17, May 19, May 22, May 24, May 26, May 29, May 31, June 2, and June 5).
- On days open to white sturgeon retention, angling for sturgeon is prohibited after 2 PM, including catch and release.
- Daily bag limit is one white sturgeon, 44-50 inches fork length (fork length is measured in a straight line from the tip of the nose to the fork in the caudal fin (tail) with the fish laying on its side on a flat surface, with the tape measure/ruler positioned flat under the fish).
- Annual bag limit is two white sturgeon (applicable to any/all 2021 retention fisheries).
- Retention of green sturgeon prohibited.
- ODFW fishing regulations
2021 Sturgeon Catch and Release Season
Outside of the regulations listed above, catch and release sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River can be even more fun! Later in the season after the retention dates have passed we get more bites, with bigger fish. Catching a 9-11 foot sturgeon is not uncommon during this part of the season. The months of June and July are best for peak sturgeon fishing action.
This is a world-class fishery where we host anglers from all across the planet. Dreams of catching a once-in-a-lifetime fish (or two!) are easily fulfilled on these guided fishing trips. . Read more about sturgeon fishing here.
