Fraser River Sturgeon Fishing Report - September 20, 2024
How to Handle White Sturgeon in the Fraser River, BC
The sturgeon fishing on the Lower Fraser River has been incredible in recent weeks! Anglers have been landing everything from juvenile fish to massive 9-foot giants, as these pre-winter feeders are especially aggressive. However, handling these magnificent creatures requires knowledge, care, and responsibility—no matter their size. Below, we’ll go over some essential tips and rules for handling white sturgeon on the Fraser River.
How to Handle Small White Sturgeon
In British Columbia, small sturgeon are defined as those less than 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) in length. Even though they may be smaller, handling them still requires caution.
Protect Yourself: Use Gloves
Always bring tough work gloves with you. White sturgeon are covered in rows of bony plates known as scutes, which are particularly sharp on juveniles. These scutes can easily cut skin, making gloves essential when handling them. While adult sturgeon also have scutes, they tend to be less sharp as they wear down with age.
Very sharp scutes along the back and sides of this juvenile white sturgeon.
Plan Ahead
Whether fishing from shore or a boat, always have a landing and release plan before you start fishing. Smaller sturgeon are generally easier to maneuver, but it’s still best to keep the fish in the water as much as possible. If you’re fishing from a boat, you can remove the hook while keeping the fish submerged next to the boat.
In some cases, you may need to bring a small sturgeon onto the boat or shore briefly to remove a hook. If so, ensure the fish is fully supported by cradling it with one hand behind the pectoral fins and the other around the tail. Never lift a sturgeon by the tail or mouth alone, as this can cause internal injuries. Be sure to use needle-nose pliers for easier hook removal, and get the fish back into the water quickly.
Sturgeon guide Josh carefully removing the hook from a sturgeon from the side of the boat.
How to Handle Large Sturgeon
Large sturgeon, classified as those over 1.5 meters in length, require even more care. Although their scutes may be dulled, gloves are still recommended as some can still be sharp.
Never Remove from Water
Large sturgeon must remain in the water at all times. Their sheer size means they cannot support their own weight without the buoyancy of water. Serious injury and even death can occur after release from internal organ damage if they are fully removed from the river. When fishing from a boat, release large sturgeon by removing the hook while keeping them in the water, ideally at the side of the boat. They can be gently maneuvered and controlled by placing a hand in their mouth.
If the fish is too large to handle safely at the boat, this is where your landing plan comes into play. Knowing ahead of time where you will position the boat on shore in the event of hooking a large sturgeon is crucial. Don’t attempt to drag the fish by its mouth, tail, or gills to the shore. Instead, pull up the anchor and begin making your way to shore before the sturgeon has made it to the boat. Ideally, the end of the battle will take place with the boat at the shoreline so the fish is not dragged for too long. Dragging a sturgeon long distances can add unnecessary stress and even drown them in some cases. Once in the shallows, you can remove the hook while the fish remains submerged. You may need a second person to assist with larger sturgeon, as they can be difficult to handle alone.
A large sturgeon being gently cradled under its pectoral fins.
Release with Care
After removing the hook, make sure the fish has recovered before releasing it back into the current. Keep the fish upright and facing upstream so water can flow through its gills. Only release it once it has regained enough strength to swim off on its own.
Sturgeon guide Josh handling a sturgeon by its tail preparing for release.
Guided Sturgeon Trips
Want to learn how to catch and release these incredible fish like a pro? Join us for a guided sturgeon trip on the Fraser River! Our expert guides will teach you everything you need to know about targeting and handling these incredible creatures. To book your trip, click the "Book a Trip" button above or give us a call at 778-788-8582 to arrange a custom experience.