Having served as a Columbia River sturgeon fishing guide and charter for more than 25 years, it ranks as one of my most cherished fishing experiences. The Columbia River provides endless sturgeon fishing opportunities throughout the year in and around Portland, Oregon, extending into the Columbia River Gorge, designated as a National Scenic Area. The pursuit of sturgeon captivates me, both personally as an angler and professionally as a guide. Witnessing the excitement on a client’s face upon hooking a sturgeon delivers an exhilarating rush that is always fresh and exhilarating.
Columbia River Sturgeon fishing guide boat
Marvin’s Guide Service offers sturgeon fishing trips on the Columbia River year-round. My 27-foot Alumaweld intruder is covered and heated, so you’ll be comfortable and warm even in the winter months. Learn more about my guide boat here.
Columbia River Sturgeon size
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 provide guided fishing excursions targeting giant sturgeon in the Columbia River Gorge. Prime fishing occurs between May and September, coinciding with the Northwest’s typically ideal weather. My fishing spots are near the Bonneville Dam and the Dalles Dam, areas of the Columbia River renowned for trophy sturgeon. All necessary gear and tackle are supplied, allowing you to arrive and immediately start fishing.
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.
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.
Book your Columbia River Sturgeon fishing guide here.
Willamette River Sturgeon Fishing Guide
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!
Willamette River Sturgeon
