Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing Guide

Having served as a Columbia River sturgeon fishing guide and charter for more than 25 years, it ranks as one of my most cherished fishing experiences. The Columbia River provides endless sturgeon fishing opportunities throughout the year in and around Portland, Oregon, extending into the Columbia River Gorge, designated as a National Scenic Area. The pursuit of sturgeon captivates me, both personally as an angler and professionally as a guide. Witnessing the excitement on a client’s face upon hooking a sturgeon delivers an exhilarating rush that is always fresh and exhilarating.

Columbia River Sturgeon fishing guide boat

Marvin’s Guide Service provides year-round guided and chartered sturgeon fishing trips on the Columbia River. The 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder is equipped with a cover and heating, ensuring comfort and warmth even during the winter months. Discover more about these services. click here.

Columbia River Sturgeon size

The Columbia River is home to sturgeon that can grow up to 12 feet long and weigh up to 1500 pounds! These “monster sturgeon” are a catch-and-release fishery, which means they must be released immediately after being caught. This helps maintain the population of this ancient species, which has been swimming in the Columbia River since the dinosaurs roamed. Learn more about the life of a sturgeon by life of a sturgeon

Where to catch a Columbia River monster sturgeon.

I offer guided and chartered fishing excursions aimed at catching giant sturgeon in the Columbia River Gorge. The best fishing season is from May to September, which aligns with the Northwest’s typically perfect weather. I operate near the Bonneville Dam and the Dalles Dam, well-known areas of the Columbia River for trophy sturgeon. You’ll have all the necessary equipment and tackle provided, so you can begin fishing as soon as you arrive.

Fishing for sturgeon in the Columbia River offers an exhilarating adventure. We employ American shad as bait to lure these giants, with each shad tipping the scales at 2 to 5 pounds—larger than many fish anglers typically catch. A whole shad is used on the hook, and if permitted by regulations, we can guide you to catch your own shad for bait.

 

How to take a photo of a Sturgeon

When catching a sturgeon, it’s necessary to keep it in the water for unhooking and releasing. Wearing a swimsuit beneath your attire allows you to dive in and snap a photo with your catch. Embarking on a guided sturgeon fishing adventure on the Columbia River promises to be an unforgettable experience. Home to the world’s largest sturgeon, the Columbia River offers a unique opportunity to pursue these ancient-looking fish.

As fishery managers in Oregon and Washington allow it, we also offer some limited dates for keeper sturgeon fishing. Sturgeon must fall within a “slot limit” to be kept during designated fisheries. Let me know if you want to keep a sturgeon, and I’ll do our best to get you on board for one of these opportunities. Sturgeon are one of my favorite fish to eat, when I get the chance.

Book your Columbia River Sturgeon fishing guide here.

Willamette River Sturgeon Fishing Guide

Portland, Oregon, boasts a thriving catch-and-release sturgeon fishery along the Willamette River, where large sturgeon linger for much of the year.

Nestled among towering buildings and colossal cargo ships, there are several fishing spots I frequent where one can consistently find sturgeon biting throughout the seasons.

For a sturgeon fishing experience that nearly ensures every member of your group will grapple with one of the largest fish they’ve ever encountered, all within the city’s limits, consider booking a hassle-free, enjoyable Columbia River chartered sturgeon fishing trip.

If you’re looking for the fishing trip of a lifetime, contact me today to book a sturgeon fishing trip on the Columbia River. I’ll help you catch a monster sturgeon!