Sturgeon is one of the most coveted freshwater game fish in North America. It has been in existence since the prehistoric period when the dinosaurs used to roam around the earth.
The great asteroid wiped away the dinosaurs, but several species of sturgeon exist even today with very few changes. If you want a chance to fight this prehistoric fish it will help to know when is the best time to catch sturgeon is.
Sturgeon tend to be more active during the morning when their appetite is high. Also, the outgoing tide can help because the sturgeon can smell your bait better and bite more aggressively when the water is moving faster.
In this article, we will cover some facts about sturgeon and understanding their patterns that should help you catch more sturgeon.
Facts About Sturgeons
Native to North American waters, sturgeon can grow to an incredible size of over 20 feet, and some weigh more than 2000 lbs. Another interesting fact about them is that they can outlive any human being in the world.
They normally live for more than 100 years. Unlike other species of fish, they mature much later in life. They begin to spawn and reproduce only when they reach the age of 15 to 25 years.
Sturgeon are bottom-feeders and prey on anything washed off to the bottom of the river. They are generally found dwelling in deep areas of the rivers and lakes, surrounded by structures.
Are Sturgeons Endangered?
Until a couple of centuries ago, they were found in large numbers. However, overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction have critically endangered this slow-maturing species, and many of them are on the verge of extinction.
Better late than never, conservation efforts are being made to protect this prehistoric fish. Thanks to strict fishing regulations, the sturgeon population is making a remarkable recovery. Very soon, we will be able to see a number of them jumping out of the water. That will be spectacular!
Catching Sturgeons
Given its incredible size and massive strength, catching sturgeon is very much different from ordinary fishing. It is a whole new level of fishing experience that you will remember for life.
You will need a heavy-duty fishing rod and reel with a relatively large and sharp hook to catch this giant fish. Besides gearing rightly, you have to rethink your fishing tactics and skills if you want to come home a winner.
Patience is the key here. You have to be in the right place at the right time to catch one.
When is the Best Time to Catch Sturgeon?
Sturgeon always tops the bucket list of most fishing veterans in North America. Unlike ordinary fishing experiences, sturgeon will almost always put up a fight before you can bring it on board.
Start with a plan unless you want to spend more time boating than actual fishing. It’s worth taking time to understand the seasonal patterns and timings, which will increase your chances of catching this giant game fish.
Understanding Seasonal Patterns of Sturgeon
Keeping fishing restrictions aside, you can catch sturgeons throughout the year with little or more success. It depends on seasonal patterns and water temperature and their impacts on its behavior.
The prime season to catch sturgeon usually lasts from March to November. Winter is not favorable to catch sturgeon because they tend to be less active. They are less likely to take the bait because their metabolism changes with cold water temperatures.
Once the warmer seasons arrive, you have a greater chance of catching sturgeon. Spring is considered one of the best times to catch sturgeon because that’s when smelt(eulachons), one of their favorite foods, spawn in the river.
Sturgeons tend to be more active when they are closer to the spawning season, which is generally during the summer season, from June to September. To be more specific, July and August is the best time to catch them. You can enjoy the warm weather alongside a beautiful landscape. It is a complete fishing package!
As fall nears, you can expect to catch some huge ones because that’s when they start fattening themselves for cold days.
Please consider the local fishing regulations and see if it is a catch-and-release only season or a harvest season. There can be a closed season depending on the population and spawning behavior of the sturgeons.
Best Time to Catch Sturgeon
The best time to catch a sturgeon is when they are more likely to take the bait. Their feeding behavior changes throughout the day. They tend to be more active during the morning when their appetite is high. They feed on anything they can find.
Most of them will be full by the time it is afternoon. They dwell in the dark corners of the rivers and lakes and are reluctant to eat anything. On top of that, they are very selective about food. If you could not make it in the morning, you can always try your luck before the sunset. It all depends on the right timing.
Tides also determine whether you are going to catch sturgeon or not. You will have more luck with the incoming tide, especially when it is about to break down or rise again. The best time to catch one is when the wind and tides are moving in the same direction.
However, this is based on general observation, and the timing depends on season and location as well. This is where patience and experience matter.
More Tips on Catching A Sturgeon
The water is warm. The scenery is beautiful. You got the right set of fishing gears and fresh bait. But you might still have hard luck catching sturgeon. Being in the right place at the right time with appropriate fishing gear is just half of the task. The real challenge is to find the fish and lure it to take the bite.
Sturgeon are very instinctive. They will first examine the bait. If they don’t like it or feel that something’s wrong with it, they will spit it out even before you can react.
The fun begins when it is hooked. It has survived through millions of years for a reason. Be ready for a good fight against it that can last for hours. They tend to be aggressive, especially during the summer as the water warms up.
An underwater camera is a cool gadget that you can attach to the fishing line. It allows you to experience underwater fishing and catch the live footage of sturgeon in action.
Final Words
Your chances of catching sturgeon are determined by several factors like season, timing, and tides. In general, the best time to catch sturgeon is in the early morning during the warm season when they are more active and looking for food. It is equally important to be at the right spot where they are more likely to dwell during that time of the day.
Patience and experience go a long way when you are out there catching sturgeon. You can always hire a local fishing guide or take help from a fishing veteran to increase your chance of success.
Depending on where you are, there may be a catch-and-release season, harvest season, and closed season. It is advised that you follow these regulations strictly to avoid any tickets and penalties because sturgeon is an endangered species. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect it.
Despite the decline in the number of sturgeon over the last couple of centuries, it is making a remarkable recovery in recent years. Thanks to the conservation efforts and strict fishing regulations, we can expect to see a significant rise in its numbers in the days to come.
