Haven't done this since moving here from California but.... where?

[jeppers113d]

Hello everyone! just wondering where are the best places to bank fish for sturgeon around (60-75 min drive) from or Portland? People keep saying the Columbia, but you know how big that river is?

Actually i tried on the beach at Sauvie Island for like 30 min, with no luck or bite, and switched back to plunking for salmon. Anyone have any catch and release success bank fishing for sturgeon recently? Thanks!

 

[Admin]

@bass knows everything about sturgeon fishing in that area. Do hope he will give you some advice.

 

[troutdude]

Here's what a Google/A.I. search came up with:

"Top sturgeon fishing areas near Portland include the Columbia River (especially from the Multnomah Channel near Sauvie Island to St. Helens and the area around Troutdale and the Bonneville Dam) and the Willamette River (especially the stretch below Willamette Falls near Oregon City, areas around Swan Island, and the confluence with the Columbia at Kelley Point Park). These rivers offer abundant sturgeon, with prime fishing typically from fall through spring, and the specific regulations can change, so always check the MyODFW.com website for the latest rules and seasons before you go.

Columbia River Spots

• Multnomah Channel:
  This slough is an excellent spot, particularly downriver from the Gilbert River launch (Sauvie Island) to St. Helens, and near the Scappoose Bay ramp.
• 
  
• Troutdale:
  Look for good spots near the power lines by the Sandy River, but be prepared for boat traffic, especially in the afternoon
• 
  
• Bonneville Dam Area:
  Anglers fish upriver by the Bonneville Dam, with productive areas just below the locks, but you must be aware of heavy barge traffic.
  Marker 85:
  About 20 miles downriver from the Bonneville Dam, this area offers slower, but still productive, fishing along the edge of the fishing channel on the Oregon side.

Willamette River Spots

• Oregon City (Below Willamette Falls):.

This is a highly productive area for sturgeon fishing and is now a strictly catch-and-release zone.

• Swan Island:

A good area for catching sturgeon, especially during the winter months.

• Kelley Point Park:.

This park offers direct access to the Willamette River, where the waters are brushy and sandy, creating a good habitat for sturgeon.

• Oaks Park, Old Spaghetti Factory, Sellwood Bridge, Milwaukie/Oak Grove:
  .

These are some decent areas to target sturgeon on the Willamette River near Portland.

Important Considerations

• Catch-and-Release:
  The sturgeon fishery in the Portland area of the Columbia and Willamette rivers is largely a catch-and-release fishery, ensuring these fish are returned to the water unharmed.
• 
  
• Regulations:
  Sturgeon seasons and regulations can change quickly, especially for keeper seasons on the Columbia River. Always check the MyODFW.com fishing regulations before you go.
• 
  
• Bait:
  Fresh bait such as smelt, squid, and sand shrimp are recommended for the best results.
• 
  
• Depth:
  For the Multnomah Channel, fish in depths of 40 feet or more, with a particularly good spot around 50 to 70 feet deep off a sawdust pile. "
• 
  
• Barge Traffic:
  On the Columbia River, particularly in the Bonneville Dam area, be extremely cautious of heavy barge traffic.

 

[bass]

Depends on the time of the year. Right now the whole Willamette is open for C&R. There is deep water near shore just upstream from George Rogers park (cast from the upstream side of the huge concrete structure). Also casting straight out really far from just downstream of where Oswego creek dumps in holds some sturgeon.

Just upstream for GR park (45.40371981777219, -122.6475039710448) is a rocky head that I have seen folks catch sturgeon from. I am not sure if it is still accessible or not. I think I remember something about that spot being closed or something (maybe marked no trespassing) but it is worth checking out.

Across the river at Rivervilla park I have seen folks catch sturgeon from shore quite a few times.

I have seen folks catch sturgeon from the dock at Sellwood park. There is a deep hole a long cast out from there.

Another popular shore fishing spot for sturgeon is the fWest Linn Public Fishing Dock (you can google location). There are tons of videos of folks catching sturgeon from that dock. It is very snaggy from what I have read but good fishing.

I think that downtown almost anywhere you can cast out from will have some sturgeon. I think that people fish from the walkway on the East side of the river. I think people fish from the West side as well but perhaps less often.

Another spot is Kelly point park. I have read mixed reviews of that spot in terms of success.

I think that is most of the bank spots that I know about. I am not sure where folks bank fish for sturgeon on the Columbia or where you are allowed to fish for sturgeon.

Just a reminder that it is all C&R. You can't keep any sturgeon of any size.

 

[Snopro]

Anyone have any catch and release success bank fishing for sturgeon recently? Thanks!

You don't want to accidentally kill what you're trying to CnR. The river water is hot and carries less O2 than cool water. Wait for Rain and cooler temps.

 

[bass]

Great comment @Snopro . I only ever fish for sturgeon when the water temp is in the low 60s or cooler.about another month or so.