Private Sturgeon Fishing on Tidal Flats
Private Trip
Target prehistoric sturgeon on tidal flats and estuary ditchesPrivate boat accommodates up to six guests comfortablySpot seals, sea lions, shorebirds, and occasional orcas
Get ready to tangle with some of the oldest, biggest fish swimming in our waters. This private boat charter puts you face-to-face with white sturgeon – prehistoric giants that can stretch over 20 feet and fight like nothing else you've ever hooked. We'll work the shallow tidal flats and maze of ditches where these monsters love to feed, giving your group of up to six anglers the fishing trip of a lifetime. Between battles with these ancient beasts, keep your eyes peeled for seals, sea lions, harbor porpoises, and if we're really lucky, an orca might cruise through the bay.
This isn't your typical deep-water fishing trip. We're heading into the estuary's shallow flats and channels where sturgeon come to feed on the rich bottom. The setting is wild and raw – think expansive mudflats dotted with channels that snake through the marsh. At low tide, you'll see the structure of this underwater world laid bare, and at high tide, we'll be right in there with the fish. The boat stays busy as we move between productive spots, reading the water and adjusting our approach based on tides, current, and what the fish are telling us. Your private group gets my full attention, so whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, I'll make sure you're hooked up and ready when one of these giants decides to eat.
Sturgeon fishing is all about patience, positioning, and heavy tackle. We'll be anchored up in key spots, running multiple rods with circle hooks and plenty of weight to keep our baits pinned to the bottom where sturgeon feed. I provide all the gear – heavy action rods that can handle the load, reels with smooth drags, and terminal tackle built for the job. Fresh bait is key, and I'll have everything from ghost shrimp to anchovies depending on what's working best. The technique is simple but effective: get your bait down, keep it there, and be ready for the rod to double over. When a big sturgeon picks up your offering, there's no mistaking it. These fish don't nibble – they commit, and suddenly you're connected to something that's been swimming these waters since before the dinosaurs.
White sturgeon are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These living fossils can live over 100 years and grow to massive sizes – the biggest ones pushing 20 feet long and weighing over 1,000 pounds. What makes them so special to target is their incredible fight combined with their prehistoric mystique. When you hook a sturgeon, especially a big one, it's like being connected to ancient history. They'll make blistering runs, jump clear out of the water, and test every bit of your tackle and technique. The best part? We practice strict catch and release, so these magnificent fish swim away to fight another day. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures warm up and sturgeon move into the shallows to feed actively. Even smaller sturgeon in the 4-6 foot range will give you a workout you won't forget, while the real giants – those 8, 10, or 12-footers – will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about fishing.
This top-rated private charter fills up fast, especially during prime sturgeon season. With room for six anglers, it's perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a world-class fishing experience without the crowds. I provide all the gear, bait, and expertise – you just bring yourself and get ready for some serious fish. The tidal flats don't wait for anyone, and neither do the sturgeon. Book your date now and get ready to battle some of the most impressive fish swimming in our waters. Fair warning: after your first sturgeon fight, you'll be planning your return trip before we even get back to the dock.
The Good Ju Ju is built tough for Astoria's challenging waters, with an extra heavy hull that cuts through chop and delivers a smooth ride to the sturgeon grounds. This fishing platform comfortably seats six anglers while we hunt for these prehistoric giants in the tidal flats and shallow ditches of the estuary. Equipped with GPS, VHF radio, and fish finder, she'll get you positioned on productive water where sturgeon exceeding 20 feet patrol the bottom. Between hookups with these powerful fish, you'll spot seals, sea lions, and countless shorebirds working the flats. The boat's stable design gives everyone room to fight these hard-pulling monsters while staying safe in the sometimes rough Columbia River estuary conditions.
Astoria, OR