Shared Extended Half-Day Sturgeon Fishing Charter
Shared Trip
River Fishing
6hour extended halfday sturgeon fishing charter experienceTargets trophy sturgeon in productive Pacific Northwest watersAccommodates up to 2 anglers per shared trip
Picture this: you're standing on the deck as your captain navigates to prime sturgeon territory where the Columbia and Willamette Rivers converge. This 6-hour shared charter takes you and one fishing buddy into some of Oregon's most legendary sturgeon waters. We're talking about prehistoric giants that can stretch longer than your boat and fight like freight trains. This isn't your typical half-day trip – the extended time gives you real shots at connecting with trophy-class fish that call these river systems home.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll position you over proven sturgeon holes where big fish congregate. The Columbia River system is famous for producing monster sturgeon, and this extended charter gives you the time needed to work different spots throughout the day. You'll start early to maximize your chances, and with just two anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room. The shared format keeps costs reasonable while still delivering that premium sturgeon fishing experience. Your guide handles all the technical stuff – reading the water, adjusting for tides, and putting you on fish. All you need to focus on is setting the hook when that rod tip bounces.
Sturgeon fishing is all about patience and proper presentation. Your guide will set you up with heavy-action rods and reels capable of handling 100+ pound fish. We're talking circle hooks, sliding sinker rigs, and fresh bait that gets sturgeon fired up. Sand shrimp, herring, and smelt are go-to baits depending on conditions and what the fish are hitting. The key is getting your bait down to the bottom where sturgeon feed, then waiting for that unmistakable tap-tap-pull that signals a fish is mouthing your offering. Your captain will coach you through the fight – these fish are powerful but not fast, so it's about steady pressure and letting your drag do the work. The extended format means you can try multiple techniques and locations throughout the day.
White Sturgeon are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These living dinosaurs can live over 100 years and grow massive – we're talking 8-12 footers that'll test your tackle and your stamina. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them special is the fight – imagine hooking into a submarine that doesn't want to come up. They use the current to their advantage, making long powerful runs that'll have your reel screaming. Most anglers are blown away by the sheer size and power of these fish. The Columbia River system produces some of the best white sturgeon fishing on the West Coast.
Green Sturgeon add another dimension to your trip, though they're less common than their white cousins. These fish are typically smaller but incredibly acrobatic – they're known for jumping and putting on aerial shows that'll get your heart pumping. Green sturgeon are anadromous, spending time in both fresh and salt water, which gives them extra muscle and fighting power. They're more sensitive to environmental conditions, so when you hook one, it's always special. Your guide knows the subtle differences in habitat preferences between green and white sturgeon, positioning you in areas where both species might be cruising.
This extended half-day format hits the sweet spot for serious sturgeon fishing without committing to a full-day charter. Six hours gives you real opportunities to connect with multiple fish while keeping things manageable for newer anglers. The Columbia and Willamette Rivers consistently produce some of Oregon's best sturgeon action, and this shared charter makes it accessible without breaking the bank. Your experienced captain brings decades of local knowledge and top-notch equipment to give you the best shot at landing the fish of a lifetime. Don't wait – prime sturgeon season books up fast, and spots for two anglers fill quickly when word gets out about good fishing.
Get ready to target trophy sturgeon aboard our brand-new 2023 River Wild Elite! This 26-foot powerhouse packs a Yamaha 250 VMAX engine that'll cruise at 50 knots, getting you to the hot spots on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers fast. Built tough for ocean conditions, she handles river currents like a dream while keeping all 6 anglers comfortable during your 6-hour shared charter. Our state-of-the-art Garmin electronics and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating those big sturgeon, while the wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on feeding fish without spooking them. With GPS navigation, VHF radio, and ocean-capable construction, you're fishing from one of the most advanced boats on these productive Northwest waters. Perfect for serious anglers looking to hook into legendary Columbia River sturgeon.
Acipenser MedirostrisGreen sturgeon are fascinating prehistoric fish that cruise the Columbia and Willamette systems during their spawning runs. These olive-green beauties with distinctive white side stripes typically run 4-6 feet, though giants over 7 feet have been recorded. They're "living fossils" that haven't changed much since dinosaur times, with armor-like scutes instead of scales and vacuum-like mouths for bottom feeding. You'll find them hugging deeper water and structure, using their barbels to hunt crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Spring through early summer offers the best action when they move upriver. What makes them special is the pure fight - they're incredibly strong and can live 70+ years. Remember, all greens must be released unharmed, so we're fishing catch-and-release only. Pro tip: when you feel that gentle tap, don't set the hook immediately - let them mouth the bait before making your move.
Acipenser TransmontanusWhite sturgeon are North America's largest freshwater fish and the real trophy targets in these waters. These massive fish typically range 6-12 feet and can live over 100 years - we've got some true giants lurking in the deeper holes and channels of the Columbia. They spend most of their lives in saltwater but return to spawn, making spring through early summer prime time for our biggest catches. What draws anglers is the sheer power - a big white will test every bit of your gear and stamina. They're bottom feeders with no teeth, using their protruding mouths to vacuum up everything from herring to squid. The deeper pools and rocky structure hold the best fish. Here's the key: whites have the gentlest bite for such huge fish. When you feel that subtle tap, resist the urge to set the hook hard. Stay patient, keep steady pressure, and wait for them to really commit before you start reeling.
Portland, OR