White Sturgeon

About the White Sturgeon

These prehistoric giants are easily identified by their elongated, shark-like body, five rows of bony plates (scutes) instead of scales, and a distinctive flattened snout with four barbels beneath it. Their coloration ranges from grey to olive-brown on top, fading to a lighter, often white, belly. They are the largest freshwater fish in North America, with some specimens exceeding 20 feet and living over 100 years.

Source: FishBase & iNaturalist

Habitat

Anadromous, they primarily inhabit large, slow-moving rivers and estuaries, venturing into saltwater for feeding. They prefer deep channels with soft, muddy, or sandy bottoms where they can forage for food. Landlocked populations also exist in specific river drainages and large lakes, adapting to freshwater-only environments.

Distribution

White Sturgeon are found along the Eastern Pacific coast, from the Gulf of Alaska south to Monterey, California. They also have significant landlocked populations within the Columbia River Drainage, Montana, and Lake Shasta in California, with occasional sightings reported in northern Baja California, Mexico.

Behaviour

As bottom-dwelling scavengers and opportunistic predators, White Sturgeon use their sensitive barbels to locate prey such as various invertebrates, crustaceans, and small fish on the riverbed. They are anadromous, undertaking significant migrations between freshwater spawning grounds and saltwater feeding areas. Movement is often dictated by spawning cycles and food availability, with individuals moving into deeper, cooler waters during warmer months.

Lure suggestion

Anglers target White Sturgeon using heavy-duty tackle capable of handling their immense size and power. The most effective method involves presenting bait directly on the bottom using a sliding sinker rig with a strong, large circle hook (e.g., 8/0-12/0). Popular baits include oily cut baits like herring, sardine, or smelt, as well as squid, shrimp, and lamprey.