I'm sure this happens all the time

[Bradley_G]

As a native Georgian, I know that people post on forums with the "I'll be visiting and need your honey holes" threads all of the time. Though I'm glad to share information I have, I certainly understand the hesitation in doing so.

All that being said, I'll be in Portland for work mid December, and wanted to know how the sturgeon fishing is, if its a good time to try for the species or if I should go for something else (I don't really want to, the sturgeon has been on my list for some time now). I would also like to catch some type of salmon as well, not to eat just to check off.

I travel for work and bring gear wherever I go, this year I've been able to check off 40 different species of fish (both fresh and salt). I'd love to add two more species if at all possible, so any help with where I can go to fish from shore within an hour or so from Portland, or a good guide suggestion (only looking for a guide targeting trophy fish) would be fantastic. Any bait shops or tips in that regard would be welcomed. I can bring my reels but usually buy rods in the town I'm in if it requires something stout, which I would imagine it would in this case.

Thanks again for any suggestions, it is much appreiciated

 

[bass]

Hey Bradley,

There is a guide on who has a forum on here (Marvin's Guide Service) and he does a lot of sturgeon trips and I have heard good things about him. I would recommend contacting him. As for the sturgeon fishing in mid-December, it is usually pretty good. As long as the water temp is about 42 or so the bite is really good. Below that you can still catch them but the bite slows down a bit, but the fish are still catch-able. I have had decent days when the water was in the upper 30's.

The other big thing to worry about at that time of the year is the rainfall. The rivers can become blown out and somewhat dangerous to anchor in at that time of the year. In those conditions fishing from shore and near the bank can sometimes be the better bet.

If river conditions are decent (not blown out) the other species to target at that time of year would be winter steelhead. I know a member on here (halibuthitman) was offering walking guided fishing trips. I assume those would include winter steelhead trips. Perhaps contacting him for a winter steelhead trip might be a great choice as well.

Best of luck. Please feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

 

[minnowmagnet]

Marvin

Marvin

Brad, also hailing from the deep south, albeit 23 years ago, I feel the need to help you out.
I would second Bass' suggestion of Marvin Henkel with Marvin's Guide Service. His website is:
http://www.fastactionfishing.com
I have hired him several times and find him to be a very experienced and knowledgable guide here on the Willamette and Columbia. He has a new boat and is a motivated fish-hunter.
He is loaded with stories that are mildly interesting (at least the first few times you hear them).
There is no doubt that if the river is fishable, he can help you scratch the white sturgeon off of your list.
I have no better suggestion than Marvin (unless you can procure a kayak while you are here.)

 

[Bradley_G]

Thanks guys, I'll check them out. I've been trying to use google maps to find some parks that I can fish from the bank in addition to the guided trip. I'm staying over on the east side, and will be a few minutes away from the chinook landing marine park, which looks to have some decent bank fishing access, I'll likely start there. If there is any bank access that will be better on the Columbia or Willamette I'm all ears.

Any recommendation on leader size/test and terminal tackle? I usually bottom fish a Carolina rig with 3-5oz weights in larger rivers, using anywhere from 2/0-10/0 circle hooks and a 30lb flouro leader. Any suggestions on bait, where to buy or what to catch? I likely won't have a castnet (though I'm thinking about bringing an entire suitcase just for fishing).

I've got medium sized reels with about 4-500 yards of 80lb braid, small reels with 80b braid (300yds), and spinning with 15-4lb line. I'll be bringing a few reels and one or two medium action poles, and will need to buy a medium heavy 1pc (usually ugly stick of sorts when I travel for the price). If any of this seems fit for the job let me know. If there are suggestions for terminal tackle and gear that you can recommend I'd be grateful. Also, if anyone is free the 17-19 to either get together and fish or jump in on the charter let me know (you don't have to chip in if you cannot afford, I'll be buying it anyways), I thoroughly enjoy making friends on the water.

 

[troutmasta]

300 yards of 80 pound braid will be just fine-

Your hooks must be barbless-

No rentention in the Lower Willamette but plenty of fish to be caught and released

There is a great public fishing dock in West Linn OR not far from the east side-

I'd run up too 10 oz. of weight depending on the water level-

As fas as bait I prefer pickled squid, they can be purchased ...pretty much anywhere that sells bait, they are tough and can withstand some hard bites.

Good Luck-

 

[Bradley_G]

Great, keep it coming I'm taking notes. As for the barbless, can a barbed hook crimped down be used or do you have to grind it down all the way? What size hook/ and bait do you recommend using?

Also, as far as the rigs I've seen, most are a version of the C rig that I already use. I've seen both heavy braid and heavy mono promoted for the leader material, is there a proven advantage for either? what's your preference on leader length?

 

[DirectDrive]

Great, keep it coming I'm taking notes. As for the barbless, can a barbed hook crimped down be used or do you have to grind it down all the way? What size hook/ and bait do you recommend using?

You can pinch 'em down.
I would arrange to go with the guide first and see the actual riggings instead of trying to figure it out over the internet.
Sturgeon rigging is going to be unlike what you're accustomed to and all the correct parts and pieces are here anyway.

If you want a taste of big sturgeon get out on the Columbia with the guide and you may be able to buy just one seat.
You will also get to see fast water anchoring technique and equipment.
We own fast water anchoring here in the Northwest.

You can find bigger fish in the Willamette but they are not near as common as in the Columbia...go to the big river for the big 'uns.

Good luck.

 

[Moe]

Its OK guys he's gonna be taught by the best, me

 

[troutmasta]

Sturgeon fishing is not rocket science-
You really dont need a guide Ive never had a sturgeon guide and have caught a ton.
however to each thier own-

7/0 hooks for me and I use braided leader cause they dont care-

 

[DirectDrive]

Sturgeon fishing is not rocket science-
You really dont need a guide Ive never had a sturgeon guide and have caught a ton.
however to each thier own-

7/0 hooks for me and I use braided leader cause they dont care-

Yeah but there's nothin' like the staying "locked up" until that 7-8 footer launches like a Poseidon missile.
(staying on anchor will often cause the fish to breach...quite a sight)
Then after it's all on video, you drop off anchor and fight the fish.

Good, clean fun.

 

[Bradley_G]

two weeks away, I'm getting excited. How's the weather been out there?

 

[Bradley_G]

Alright, I'm finally here! Going to do the job I came for this morning then go buy some gear to get going. I'm staying in downtown Portland, any suggestions nearby on a place to wet a line? I don't care if they are shakers or not, I'm looking for a sturgeon! the fever has overtaken me..... If anyone wants to fish today, tomorrow (on a charter or afternoon) or Thursday please let me know. (404)863-5000. Thanks again for all of your help in getting me this far.

 

[Bradley_G]

Haven't had any luck from the bank, but went out with Marvin's guide service today, and had a blast. Several oversize, one about 7.5-8' and a few shakers and keepers too. I'm plum wore out, but could not have asked for a better trip. Strong recommendation to anyone looking to get on the fish!

I haven't decided if I'll try again from the bank tomorrow or not, but for sure I've checked a giant white sturgeon off the list!

 

[bass]

Haven't had any luck from the bank, but went out with Marvin's guide service today, and had a blast. Several oversize, one about 7.5-8' and a few shakers and keepers too. I'm plum wore out, but could not have asked for a better trip. Strong recommendation to anyone looking to get on the fish!

I haven't decided if I'll try again from the bank tomorrow or not, but for sure I've checked a giant white sturgeon off the list!

Congrats on the good trip with Marvin! You will be even sorer tomorrow

 

[Marvin's Guide Service]

Glad you had fun, hope to fish with you again. Thank you for fishing with me.