Columbia River Sturgeon

2026 Columbia River Sturgeon Opener.

Last week, I got to fish the sturgeon opener on the Columbia River, a rare opportunity to actually keep a sturgeon. I had almost given up on ever getting a good fish print of a sturgeon, because it is so hard to get a keeper, but my good friend Ken Villenti asked me to join him and I jumped at the chance to get a beautiful columbia river sturgeon. Here is a recap of our day on the water.

I left my house at 5:00am and headed East up the Columbia River Gorge. We launched out of the Wind River early in the morning on a cold, windy & rainy day - Ken had a heater going on the boat so we stayed warm, but the wind and rain still cut through the air. We navigated through a very shallow area, almost getting stuck several times, before finding the channel and reaching the main river. Once there, we settled into a spot and cast our lines. Ken had us using sand shrimp as bait. After about 45 minutes with no bites, we moved a few hundred yards upriver and set up again.

We cast our lines in about 35 feet of water, and within minutes, my rod gave the tick...tick of a sturgeon bite. I set the hook, and the fight began. The sturgeon pulled hard, and I struggled to stop it. Eventually, I gained some ground before it took off again. After its third run, we tightened the drag a bit, and I managed to bring it closer to the boat. As it got closer, it sped right past the boat and headed upriver—a sign of a sizable sturgeon! Finally, the sturgeon gave in, and we netted it. We measured it at an even 52"—a legal keeper! (You are only allowed one sturgeon and it has to be within the state established "slot" limit of 38-inch minimum to 54-inch maximum.)

We regrouped and reset our lines, and soon after, Brian's rod got a bite. After another intense battle, he landed another keeper! Two out of two, now we just needed one for Ken.

Unfortunately, I had a flight to catch to Las Vegas for a Magic show, so I had to leave early before Ken could catch his fish. Ken dropped me off at the launch with my fish, and I headed home while he returned to the river for his last catch. Once home, I created a unique fish print that turned out great. I then prepped the fish for the freezer, and as I was cleaning the fish, Ken called to let me know he had caught his fish. So awesome! Ken is a great fisherman and to get all of us a keeper is rare indeed!

After my prints were complete, I got the fish prepped an into freezer bags. Ann let me know we were cutting it close on time to catch our flight, so I quickly jumped in the shower, packed and we headed to the airport for Las Vegas. While in line to board the fight, Ann commented to me that I smelled like fish! Oh well, nothing I could do about that, and any embarrassment was well woth the effort of catching a beautiful Columbia River Sturgeon.

That night, as I sat in our hotel room looking out over Las Vegas, I was full of gratitude for this amazing world that I live in. From catching a unique and beautiful fish in the scenic Columbia River Gorge that morning, to relaxing in my hotel room with my wife on the vegas strip that night - it was a remarkable day filled with amazing secnery, good friends, incredible fish, and extensive travel - truly a one of a kind experience that keeps me thankful for my life.

Thanks for reading

Bill