If you latch on to a big one you'll know it when sturgeon fishing in Canada. These behemoths can reach weights up to several hundred pounds. It is wise to follow a catch and release policy when Canadian sturgeon fishing as their numbers are not as high as they once were. It will; however, be the catch of a lifetime.

Biology and Habitat of Sturgeon

The sturgeon is one of the oldest fish species in Canada dating back 200 million years. It inhabits the sub arctic rivers, lakes, and coastlines of Canada. This is where you'll find the best sturgeon fishing in Canada. When you talk about large freshwater fish, the sturgeon wins the prize as a "monster" fish. Adult sturgeons range in size from 2 m (7 ft) to 5.5 m (18 ft) long and can tip the scales at several hundred pounds.

The sturgeon has no teeth, which is good thing for a fish this size. It is a bottom feeder that stirs up the river or lake bed to uncover crustaceans and small shells. As they grow larger they will eat small fish before graduating to swallowing salmon whole or even dining on baby seals.

They spawn upstream in much the same way salmon do. Sturgeon hang out in freshwater deltas and estuaries where they can eat a variety of foods. They are a true bottom feeder, eating dead fish and mammals as a matter of course. Sturgeon will venture out into the ocean but rarely. I guess they enjoy being a large fish in a small pond.

Some species of sturgeon are harvested for their roe to be made into caviar. This makes them one of the most valuable fish in the water. Sturgeon numbers are dwindling with many species being declared vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. A catch and release policy is recommended when Canadian sturgeon fishing.

In addition the coast, sturgeon can also be found in the Great Lakes. These lake sturgeon are somewhat smaller with a length of about 2 m (6 ft) and weighing in at 100 kg (220 lbs). Their lifespan can reach up to 100 years and they are 30 years old before reaching sexual maturity. Lake sturgeon feed on worms, leeches, insect larvae, and other fish that it can swallow whole.

Sturgeon Fishing Tips

In mid-June is when sturgeon fishing in Canada begins. They have completed their spawn and started a new generation of monster fish. When the season opens look for them in deep, slow moving pools during the day. In the evening, sturgeon will venture into shallow areas or the base of rapids to feed. Any bait sitting on the bottom is going to be consumed by this fish when it's feeding.
To catch sturgeon, you must fish the river or lake bottom. A bell sinker and a hook is the easiest rig to use. Put the bell sinker on and attach a slit-shot approximately 3 feet from the hook. Let the sinker fall to the bottom and let the bait move about on the river bed. If there are sturgeon around they'll find it.
Sturgeon are not fussy eaters so a big bunch of worms on a hook will do the trick. Other baits for Canadian sturgeon fishing include pieces of carp, sucker, as well as cheese and salmon eggs. Snails, clams, and leeches also work wonders.

Canadian Sturgeon Fishing Destinations

Vancouver-based Bluewater Rockies Sportfish Guiding Co. offers guiding services for Canadian sturgeon fishing, steelhead fishing, and salmon fishing in Canada. Their services cover sportfishing in Vancouver, Chilliwack, the Fraser River, and Whistler, British Columbia.

Fraser River Lodge offers year round Canadian fishing in the mild climate of the Fraser Valley. Canadian sturgeon fishing is one of their specialties along with salmon, trout, and steelhead angling. Their 5 star lodge will make you feel right at home or you can choose their private Outpost lodge for a more rustic atmosphere. Your fish will be cleaned and filleted back at the lodge by helpful staff and sent to your home by courier.

Birch Point Outfitters operates out of Manitoba and offers white sturgeon fishing in Canada. The Red River in Manitoba has a good population of white sturgeon and is one the best sturgeon fishing destinations in Canada. These fish are normally in the 20 – 40 pound range; however, white sturgeon can weigh up to 100 pounds.

The Great Lakes basins of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan as well as Hudson Bay are also popular sturgeon fishing destinations.

While populations have been dropping there are still ample opportunities for sturgeon fishing in Canada. Canadian sturgeon fishing destinations are found in various lakes, rivers, and coastal waters throughout the country.