Columbia Estuary Sturgeon fishing extended

The Columbia River Estuary sturgeon fishery had closed, but because the quota wasn't even close to being filled they decided to open it up again.  So if you missed it and wanted to give it a try, here's the information.

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2009/july/070809.asp

Fishery managers extend popular sturgeon season

 
July 7, 2009
 

CLACKAMAS, Ore. – The states of Oregon and Washington today extended the popular recreational white sturgeon season in the lower Columbia River.

Under rules adopted during a joint state hearing, anglers will have two additional three-day periods when retention of white sturgeon will be allowed. The first three-day retention period will take place Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12. The second period will take place Friday, July 17 through Sunday July 19.

The action applies to a 40-mile section of the Columbia downstream from the Wauna power lines to Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries.

Sturgeon must be 41-54 inches fork length to be retained, with a daily bag limit of one fish and an annual bag limit of five fish. Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.

The extension was adopted because catch rates were lower than expected, leaving additional fish available for harvest. A similar extension occurred in 2008.

“I am glad we are able to give our fishermen in the lower Columbia a little more opportunity,” said Steve Williams, deputy director of ODFW’s fish division.

From the Wauna power lines upstream to River Marker 85 below Bonneville Dam, sturgeon retention will continue as planned through July 31. Retention of white sturgeon is permitted in that section of the river on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a fork length limit of 38 to 54 inches.  Above, River Marker 85, the Columbia is closed to sturgeon angling through July 31. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, the area from Wauna power lines upstream to Bonneville Dam is scheduled to re-open to white sturgeon retention on Thursday through Saturday of each week.

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Contact:

John North (971) 673-6029
Chris Kern (971) 673-6031
Rick Swart (971) 673-6038
Fax: (503) 947-6070

Cool, they've given me one day this year to fish for sturgeon!!!!

Anyone want to join me and 1000 of my closest PB friends on Sunday the 19th?

I figure one day this year is better than I expected to have.

I'll be out of town all next week, otherwise I'd consider joining you and your power boat buddies.

Cool, they've given me one day this year to fish for sturgeon!!!!

Anyone want to join me and 1000 of my closest PB friends on Sunday the 19th?

I figure one day this year is better than I expected to have.

I don't think I can make it Jay but perhaps a little advice will help your chances:

- Watch the tides.  You can fish them both but you'll require a lot more weight than your usual 3lb kayak anchor.  I have a 3lb anchor, 3lbs of chain and it still takes an extra 24oz cannonball tied to my anchor to keep from slipping.... on the incomming....   

- Use heavier weights to keep your bait on the bottom

- Estuary fish will travel across surprisingly shallow water.  A lot of times you'll find them in 10 to 15 feet of water.  Use your fish finder to locate them (you won't miss a fish arch that's larger than the viewing area of your screen) 

- If you don't know where you're gonna fish, scour the maps and have a backup plan.

- Just cause you're the only person fishing a spot doesn't mean you're not going to catch fish.

- Don't drop anchor directly below another vessle.  Try to offset your position.

- Eat your wheaties!  Even the shakers are beefed up from eating so much good seafood and will cramp your arm.

-Spot-

Spot is giving some good advice don't follow the crowds down there.  Fish 10 to 15 feet of water, bring a variety of bait. dont stay in one place more than 20 to 30 minutes. unless your catching something bring a pole with a sensitive tip. it really helps to tell the difference between a bullhead eating your bait or a sturgeon.  If its a bullhead move on.

I have caught a lot of sturgeon down there this year so far. no keepers yet.

Scott

Eat your wheaties!  Even the shakers are beefed up from eating so much good seafood and will cramp your arm.

Yes.

bring a pole with a sensitive tip. it really helps to tell the difference between a bullhead eating your bait or a sturgeon.

X2. I've used a few different rods for dino fishing and the tip makes a big difference.

Also bring a snare and have a plan to land these guys. Here's the master plan: http://www.kzreelrods.com/Sturgeon/Kayak%20Sturgeon%20Methods%202009.pdf
Here's a video: http://www.kzreelrods.com/Movies/SturgeonSnare.wmv
And there's a few more on YouTube

Z

If you don't have a snare, you can still land a keeper. Just don't turn it right side up until you have it firmly tied off!!!

Anyone want to join me and 1000 of my closest PB friends on Sunday the 19th?
I figure one day this year is better than I expected to have.

Sounds fun, I'm going to see what I can do to clear my schedule fish with ya.

Z, that sturgeon fishing pdf is great.

Sean

Embedding the pdf ...

-Allen

[pdf]http://www.kzreelrods.com/Sturgeon/Kayak%20Sturgeon%20Methods%202009.pdf[/pdf]