Are there sturgeon in the Willamette River?

In addition to the mainstem Columbia River, white sturgeon are found in several of its major tributaries, particularly the Snake, Salmon, and Willamette rivers.

How big do sturgeon get in the Willamette River?

As well as their rarity, another reason why fishing for Sturgeon in Oregon is so exciting is the pure size of this species. These ancient monsters can grow over a whopping 7 feet and weigh in at hundreds of pounds. Although they initially bite lightly, when they commit to taking your bait, you’ll definitely feel it.

Is the Willamette River open for sturgeon fishing?

Lakes: Open all year. Streams: Open during trout, salmon or steelhead seasons, except mainstem Willamette River and sloughs and tidewater areas of Columbia River tributaries downstream from Bonneville Dam are open all year. No limit, except as noted under Exceptions. No minimum length.

What rivers in Oregon have sturgeon?

The largest sturgeon populations are in the Columbia and Willamette rivers, but anglers can find them in bays and estuaries along the coast as well.

Can you eat sturgeon in Oregon?

Limit resident fish consumption to no more than one meal per week: no other fish should be eaten that week. Resident fish include bass, bluegill, carp, catfish, crappie, sucker, sturgeon, walleye and yellow perch. Salmon, steelhead, lamprey and shad are NOT included in this fish advisory.

Can you catch sturgeon in Oregon?

Sharing is caring! White sturgeon are the largest gamefish found in Oregon, and one of the largest freshwater fish found anywhere in the world. Anglers frequently catch and release sturgeon of 10 feet or more on the Columbia River, and historically these fish are capable of topping 20 feet.

Can you take sturgeon out of the water in Oregon?

Sturgeon over 54 inches in fork length cannot be removed totally or in part from the water. Only one single-point, barbless hook may be used for sturgeon.

Can you fish sturgeon in Oregon right now?

During this fishery, anglers will be allowed to harvest legal-sized white sturgeon three days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, from May 10 through June 5. On all days open to sturgeon retention, fishing (including catch and release) is prohibited after 2 p.m.

Are there sturgeon above Willamette Falls?

There is sturgeon retention allowed in the Willamette above Willamette Falls, with a slot limit on size. The overall number of fish in areas above the falls are more modest that the lower river, although some anglers who know the holes quietly do pretty well.

What size sturgeon can you keep in Oregon?

44-50 inches
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).

Can sturgeon be eaten?

Sturgeon has a refined flavor and consistency. That charm is why eating it raw is the best way to eat it. You can enjoy the charm of the fish meat by eating it as sashimi, sushi and marinading it. Even when boiled, you can enjoy the tender texture of sturgeon.

Can you keep sturgeon on the Willamette?

What is this? There is sturgeon retention allowed in the Willamette above Willamette Falls, with a slot limit on size. The overall number of fish in areas above the falls are more modest that the lower river, although some anglers who know the holes quietly do pretty well.