Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing Guide

join Marvin Henkel, your expert Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing Guide for an unforgettable Adventure with Marvin’s 25 years of experience, you’ll explore the majestic waters near Portland, Oregon and reel in these ancient giants. Experience the thrill of sturgeon fishing in 1 of the world’s most breathtaking settings, the Columbia River Gorge.

  Premier Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing Guide Vessel

Marvin’s Guide Service offers premier surgeon fishing from a spacious 27-foot intruder. Fully equipped with cover and heating, this vessel ensures a comfortable and warm experience even in the heart of winter. It’s the perfect setup for year-round fishing on the Columbia River. Learn more about the Sturgeon fishing guide boat by clicking here

 Sturgeon Size and Facts

The Columbia River is home to sturgeon that can grow up to 12 feet long and weigh up to 1500 pounds! These “monster sturgeon” are a catch-and-release fishery, which means they must be released immediately after being caught. This helps maintain the population of this ancient species, which has been swimming in the Columbia River since the dinosaurs roamed. Learn more about the life of a sturgeon by life of a sturgeon

Where To Catch a Columbia River Monster Sturgeon

I offer guided and chartered fishing excursions aimed at catching giant sturgeon in the Columbia River Gorge. The best fishing season is from May to September, which aligns with the Northwest’s typically perfect weather. I operate near the Bonneville Dam and the Dalles Dam, well-known areas of the Columbia River for trophy sturgeon. You’ll have all the necessary equipment and tackle provided, so you can begin fishing as soon as you arrive.

Fishing for sturgeon in the Columbia River offers an exhilarating adventure. We employ American shad as bait to lure these giants, with each shad tipping the scales at 2 to 5 pounds—larger than many fish anglers typically catch. A whole shad is used on the hook, and if permitted by regulations, we can guide you to catch your own shad for bait.

 

Columbia River Monster Sturgeon with woman in the water with the fish.

10-foot sturgeon on the Columbia River. Sturgeons will occasionally leap from the water when hooked at the end of your line. Battling one of these ancient fish is an unforgettable experience.

How to take a photo of a Sturgeon

When catching a sturgeon, it’s necessary to keep it in the water for unhooking and releasing. Wearing a swimsuit beneath your attire allows you to dive in and snap a photo with your catch. Embarking on a guided sturgeon fishing adventure on the Columbia River promises to be an unforgettable experience. Home to the world’s largest sturgeon, the Columbia River offers a unique opportunity to pursue these ancient-looking fish.

As fishery managers in Oregon and Washington allow it, we also offer some limited dates for keeper sturgeon fishing. Sturgeon must fall within a “slot limit” to be kept during designated fisheries. Let me know if you want to keep a sturgeon, and I’ll do our best to get you on board for one of these opportunities. Sturgeon are one of my favorite fish to eat, when I get the chance.

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Willamette River Sturgeon Fishing Charter

Portland, Oregon, boasts a thriving catch-and-release sturgeon fishery along the Willamette River, where large sturgeon linger for much of the year.

Nestled among towering buildings and colossal cargo ships, there are several fishing spots I frequent where one can consistently find sturgeon biting throughout the seasons.

For a sturgeon fishing experience that nearly ensures every member of your group will grapple with one of the largest fish they’ve ever encountered, all within the city’s limits, consider booking a hassle-free, enjoyable Columbia River chartered sturgeon fishing trip.

If you’re looking for the fishing trip of a lifetime, contact me today to book a sturgeon fishing trip on the Columbia River. I’ll help you catch a monster sturgeon!

 

Happy angler holds up a sturgeon on the Willamette River with a Navy ship in the background.

Willamette River Sturgeon

 

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