Sturgeon can live to be over 100 years old, however they grow slowly, mature late, and do not reproduce often, which makes them especially vulnerable to population decline. Photo via Adobe Stock.

Best catch-and-release fishing practices to help protect white sturgeon populations

Anglers can play an important role in protecting white sturgeon populations through proper fishing and handling practices.

White sturgeon are among the most exciting fish anglers can catch throughout the Pacific Northwest. They are powerful, prehistoric fish that can test gear, patience, and skill in ways few other species can match. That experience is part of what makes sturgeon fishing so popular.

White sturgeon are widely distributed across Washington waters, including rivers, estuaries, coastal areas, and Puget Sound. Some live entirely in freshwater, while others move between freshwater and marine environments throughout their lives. This broad distribution means anglers may encounter sturgeon in a variety of fisheries across different seasons. Green sturgeon, a rare and protected species, are also present in some Washington waters and are closed to retention statewide.

Most angler encounters, whether targeted or incidental, occur in fisheries where sturgeon must be released, making careful fishing and handling practices especially important to ensure the fish survives the encounter.

Why sturgeon require careful handling

Sturgeon are a resilient, long-lived fish, with some known to live for over 100 years, though their resilience has limits. They grow slowly, mature late, and do not reproduce often, which makes them especially vulnerable to population decline. In the Columbia River, white sturgeon do not spawn until they are about 6 feet long or roughly 25 years old. Females spawn every four to six years, while males spawn every two to three years.

In many catch-and-release fisheries, these large, or oversized, adult sturgeon are among the most sought-after fish to catch, often weighing hundreds of pounds and reaching lengths of up to 10 feet. However, these same fish are also the oldest in the population, and because it takes decades for them to reach maturity, they play a critical role in reproduction. As a result, even small amounts of stress or mortality can have outsized impacts on already sensitive populations.

Seasonal conditions can further increase stress on fish during and after capture. As water temperatures rise in late spring and summer, oxygen levels decline. At the same time, sturgeon require more oxygen to recover from the stress of the fight. When those conditions overlap, fish can become exhausted and may struggle to recover after release.

Anglers can play an important role in reducing stress on sturgeon and supporting their long-term stability by using proper fishing and handling techniques, especially during warm periods.

Best sturgeon fishing and handling practices

Fishing for sturgeon is a unique experience, but it also comes with responsibility. Using ethical fishing practices during capture, handling, and release will help minimize harm and give sturgeon the best chance of survival.

• Use appropriate gear: Select heavy-duty rods, reels, line, and barbless hooks suitable for large, powerful fish like sturgeon.
• Avoid playing sturgeon to exhaustion: Aim to bring the fish in as efficiently as possible, and whenever possible, drift with the current instead of anchoring to reduce strain.
• Keep sturgeon submerged and supported: Any sturgeon not to be retained should be released immediately. Always keep the fish submerged in the water, support the body with both hands, and never lift sturgeon by the gill plate or remove them onto the shore.
• Handle large fish with extra care: Sturgeon over 6 feet are decades old and critical to reproduction. Release these fish quickly and minimize handling.
• Monitor water conditions: Avoid fishing for sturgeon when water temperatures exceed 70 degrees as adult sturgeon are particularly vulnerable to thermal stress. During warm periods, fish early in the morning and focus your efforts in deeper, faster-moving waters.
• Revive if needed: If a fish is sluggish, hold it facing into the current, allowing water to flow through its gills. Release the sturgeon when it is strong enough to swim away on its own.

For more guidance on best sturgeon fishing and handling practices, refer to WDFW’s website.

Most angler encounters, whether targeted or incidental, occur in fisheries where sturgeon must be released, making careful fishing and handling practices especially important. Photo by WDFW taken during a test fishery as part of a research project studying sturgeon in Grays Harbor and the Chehalis River.

Taking photos responsibly

Sturgeon are remarkable fish, and it’s understandable to want a photo to remember your catch. If taking a photo, do so quickly in a way that avoids additional harm, and never drag oversized sturgeon to the shore for “glory photos.”

• Be quick and gentle: Take photos as quickly as possible and handle the fish as little as possible.
• Keep the fish submerged. Any sturgeon not to be retained must be released immediately. Never lift sturgeon larger than 55 inches in fork length out of the water. Keeping the fish submerged reduces stress and risk of injury.
• Measure safely: If documenting size, consider using measuring marks on the gunnel of the boat. This allows you to measure the fish next to the boat without removing it from the water.

Sturgeon fisheries and seasonal protections

Sturgeon fishing opportunities vary across Washington, from catch-and-release fisheries in many waters to limited retention seasons in portions of the Columbia River.

WDFW works with state and tribal co-managers to set sturgeon harvest limits on the lower Columbia River, and state fishery rules are established via the Columbia River Compact and joint state process. Learn more about Washington’s sturgeon fishing seasons and regulations on WDFW’s website.

Sturgeon fishing is closed in several designated areas of the Columbia River with spawning sanctuaries in effect from May 1 through Aug. 31. Areas closed to sturgeon fishing include below Bonneville, The Dalles, John Day, and McNary dams. These areas are prime spawning habitat and handling sturgeon during this period could adversely impact their spawning success.

Catch-and-release fishing for large sturgeon is popular among some anglers in estuaries and large rivers flowing into Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay, and North Puget Sound. As these fisheries become more popular, careful sturgeon handling is important to sustain them into the future.

Rules and regulations are subject to change. Anglers should review the emergency fishing rules or Fish Washington® mobile app for the area they plan to fish before heading out. Anglers can be notified of rule changes by signing up for WDFW regulation updates.

A large white sturgeon underwater. Photo by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.