Private Sturgeon Fishing Charter – Columbia River
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private 8hour sturgeon fishing charter on Columbia RiverCatchandrelease focus with expert guidance and gear includedSuitable for all skill levels with maximum 2 guests
Looking for a fishing trip that'll get your blood pumping? Josh Sutch Guide Service offers private 8-hour sturgeon charters on the Columbia River right out of Astoria, Oregon. This isn't your typical bass fishing day – we're talking about prehistoric giants that can stretch longer than your boat. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, this Columbia River adventure puts you face-to-face with some of the most powerful freshwater fish on the West Coast. We keep it intimate with just 2 anglers max, so you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room when the action heats up.
Your day starts early at the Astoria docks, where the Columbia meets the Pacific. The river here is wide, deep, and loaded with structure – perfect sturgeon habitat. We'll motor out to proven holes where these bottom-dwellers cruise for food, and you'll spend your day anchored up, feeling for those telltale taps on your rod tip. The scenery is killer too – towering bridges, rolling hills, and maybe some sea lions checking out what we're up to. This is catch-and-release fishing at its finest, protecting these ancient fish for future generations while giving you the fight of a lifetime. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license – we supply all the heavy-duty gear, bait, and local knowledge you need to connect with these river monsters.
Sturgeon fishing is all about patience and heavy gear. We're using stout rods with serious backbone, loaded with 50-80 pound test line because when a 6-footer decides to run, you need equipment that won't quit. The technique is anchor fishing with sliding sinker rigs – we'll drop 8-16 ounces of lead to hold bottom in the current, with fresh bait like salmon roe, anchovies, or shad positioned just right. You'll learn to feel the difference between current, crabs picking at your bait, and that unmistakable sturgeon bite. These fish don't slam the bait like a bass – they pick it up, move with it, then commit. Reading the bite takes some practice, but that's what Josh is there for. When you get a hookup, it's all about steady pressure and letting the fish tire itself out. No forcing it – sturgeon fights can last 20-30 minutes on the bigger fish.
Lake sturgeon are living dinosaurs, and the Columbia River system holds some of the healthiest populations on the West Coast. These prehistoric beasts can live over 100 years and grow to massive sizes – fish over 10 feet and 400 pounds swim these waters, though most catches run 3-8 feet. They're bottom feeders with barbels that work like whiskers, helping them locate food in murky water. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving into shallower areas to feed. What makes sturgeon fishing so addictive is the combination of their size, strength, and rarity – you might sit for hours between bites, but when one picks up your bait, everything changes. They're powerful, stubborn fighters that use the current to their advantage. The Columbia's sturgeon are protected, so every fish goes back to fight another day, but you'll have photos and stories that last forever.
Ready to tangle with Columbia River sturgeon? This private charter gives you the best shot at hooking into fish of a lifetime while supporting sustainable fishing practices. Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with only 2 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed quality time on productive water. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so when you're ready to commit to this bucket-list fishing experience, book your dates. The Columbia River sturgeon fishery is world-class, and Astoria puts you right in the heart of the action. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to fishing or chase a personal best, this 8-hour adventure delivers the goods. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, and the fish are always biting somewhere on this incredible river system.
The 22-foot Willie Boats jet boat serves as your fishing platform for targeting Columbia River sturgeon. Restored in 2023, this shallow-draft vessel draws minimal water, letting you access prime sturgeon holes that deeper-hulled boats can't reach. The 240HP Mercury outboard pushes you quickly between fishing spots at 38 knots, maximizing your time with lines in the water rather than running between locations. GPS navigation pinpoints productive sturgeon areas, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish where these ancient giants feed. The jet drive system handles the Columbia's shifting sandbars and debris with confidence. Built to handle Oregon's coastal weather, the boat provides a stable casting deck for presenting bait to river sturgeon. Room for your guide plus two anglers keeps the fishing focused and personal.
Coos Bay