Sturgeon Fishing Charter in Astoria, Oregon
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Target white sturgeon on Columbia River with expert guidesAll fishing gear and safety equipment provided for guestsSingle guest charter accommodates beginners and experienced anglers
Ready to tangle with some of the most powerful fish in the Pacific Northwest? This sturgeon fishing charter on the Columbia River puts you face-to-face with white sturgeon – prehistoric giants that can stretch longer than your boat and fight harder than anything you've ever hooked. Based out of Astoria, we'll get you on these monsters using proven techniques and local knowledge that comes from years of working these waters. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, this personalized charter (just you and the guide) gives you the best shot at landing the fish of a lifetime. Bring your camera and prepare your arms – these living dinosaurs don't give up easy.
Your day starts early at the Astoria marina, where you'll meet your guide and get the lowdown on what we're targeting. The Columbia River here is sturgeon heaven – deep channels, strong currents, and plenty of baitfish keep these giants happy and hungry. We'll motor out to productive spots that change with the tides, seasons, and what the fish are telling us. Your guide handles all the navigation and reads the water, so you can focus on fishing. The boat comes equipped with everything you need: rods heavy enough to handle big fish, terminal tackle, bait, and all safety gear. This is a full-day commitment – sturgeon fishing isn't a quick-hit game. These fish move on their own schedule, and patience pays off big time when you connect with a real bruiser.
Sturgeon fishing is all about bottom fishing with heavy gear and serious patience. We use stout rods – think salmon gear on steroids – paired with reels that can handle long runs and sustained pressure. The Columbia's current means we're anchoring with plenty of weight to keep baits in the strike zone. Your guide will rig you up with circle hooks and fresh bait – usually sand shrimp, anchovies, or smelt depending on what's working. The technique is deceptively simple: drop your rig to the bottom, keep slight tension on the line, and wait for that unmistakable tap-tap-pull that means a sturgeon is mouthing your bait. When it happens, don't set the hook hard – circle hooks do the work when you just lift and start reeling. Then the real fun begins as these fish make runs that'll test your drag and your endurance.
White sturgeon are the stars of the show here, and for good reason. These ancient fish have been cruising Northwest waters since the dinosaurs, and they act like it – powerful, stubborn, and absolutely built for battle. Columbia River sturgeon range from smaller "keeper" fish around 3-4 feet up to true giants pushing 8-10 feet and several hundred pounds. Most of what we catch falls in the 4-6 foot range – perfect size for epic photos and serious bragging rights. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving through the system following salmon runs and feeding heavily. What makes sturgeon so addictive is their fight: they're not flashy jumpers, but they pull like freight trains and never quit. A good sturgeon will take you into your backing, test every knot, and leave your arms burning. Plus, there's something special about holding a fish that might be older than you are – many of these big girls have been swimming these waters for decades.
This isn't your typical fishing trip – it's a chance to connect with one of the Northwest's most legendary species in waters that consistently produce world-class sturgeon. The Columbia River system around Astoria remains one of the top sturgeon destinations on the West Coast, and this personalized charter maximizes your chances of success. With just you and an expert guide, you'll learn techniques that work, fish productive water, and get hands-on coaching that makes the difference between going home with stories and going home with photos of the fish of a lifetime. Sturgeon seasons and regulations change, so booking ahead ensures you don't miss the prime windows when these giants are most active. Fair warning – deposits are non-refundable, but that's because spots fill up fast when word gets out about hot fishing. Ready to test your tackle and your patience against some of the strongest fish in the river?
Your Columbia River sturgeon adventure awaits aboard our 2014 Willie Predator, a purpose-built 24-foot guide boat designed for serious fishing. This open-hull vessel cuts through river currents with ease thanks to its reliable 150 hp Yamaha engine, while the 9.9 kicker motor provides precision trolling control when you're working those deep holes where the big whites hang out. Built for comfort during long fishing days, the boat handles Columbia River conditions beautifully and gets you to productive sturgeon spots quickly with a 40 mph cruising speed. The open layout gives you plenty of fighting room when you hook into one of these prehistoric giants. Our experienced captain knows every productive bend and channel on this legendary river system.
Portland