White sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) are truly remarkable creatures, and fishing for them is an experience like no other. These ancient fish have roamed North America’s waterways for millions of years, and they continue to fascinate and challenge anglers with their size, power, and unique behavior. Below is a thorough guide on the white sturgeon, their habitat, biology, and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.

1. An Ancient Species

White sturgeon are often referred to as “living dinosaurs,” as they’ve existed for over 200 million years. They are the largest freshwater fish in North America and can grow to enormous sizes, with some reaching over 6 meters (20 feet) in length and weighing over 680 kilograms (1,500 pounds). This species has not evolved much over the millennia, retaining many of the features of their prehistoric ancestors, which only adds to their allure.

2. Life Cycle and Longevity

White sturgeon are incredibly long-lived, with some individuals reaching over 100 years old. They grow slowly, which is why they can reach such massive sizes, but they take years to reach sexual maturity—often not until they are 15 to 25 years old. Female sturgeon typically spawn every 2-6 years, and males more frequently, but they require specific conditions in rivers—gravel bottoms, fast-flowing water, and the right temperature range (around 10-14°C) to spawn successfully.

3. Habitat

White sturgeon are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate between saltwater and freshwater throughout their lives. However, in the rivers and lakes of British Columbia, they are primarily found in freshwater habitats, including the Fraser River and its tributaries. They prefer deep, slow-moving waters with soft mud or sand bottoms, where they can forage for food.

4. Feeding Behavior

White sturgeon are bottom-dwellers and feed primarily on a diet of fish, crustaceans, and other bottom-dwelling organisms. They have a unique feeding strategy, using their highly sensitive barbels (whisker-like organs) to detect prey in murky waters. Their mouth, located on the underside of their head, is toothless but highly effective at sucking up prey like clams, shrimp, small fish, and even other sturgeon eggs. In British Columbia’s rivers, they often feed on salmon carcasses and other rich sources of nutrients that the river ecosystem provides.

5. Fishing for White Sturgeon

Fishing for white sturgeon is unlike any other freshwater experience. These fish are known for their power and stamina, and they put up a fight that can last hours. Despite their size, they can leap out of the water during a battle, displaying their impressive strength. However, it’s important to note that all white sturgeon fishing in British Columbia is catch-and-release. Handling these fish with care is essential to their survival, and we’ll guide you through the best practices to ensure their safe return to the water after you’ve had your unforgettable moment.

6. Conservation Status and Efforts

White sturgeon populations, particularly in the Fraser River, have been under significant stress due to habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. These fish are listed as a species of special concern in Canada, and conservation efforts have been put in place to protect them. One of the biggest threats to white sturgeon is habitat degradation caused by damming and industrial activity, which disrupts their spawning areas and migration routes.

Various conservation organizations are working to ensure the survival of these majestic fish, and anglers play a critical role in this effort by practicing ethical catch-and-release fishing. The Fraser Valley Angling Guides Association (FVAGA) is one such organization dedicated to the protection of white sturgeon through education, habitat restoration, and careful monitoring of populations. You can learn more about these important efforts by visiting the FVAGA Conservation Page.

7. How You Can Help

As anglers, one of the best ways we can support white sturgeon conservation is by practicing proper catch-and-release techniques. When fishing with us, we’ll show you how to handle these fish with care to ensure their survival:

• Use proper gear: Heavy-duty tackle ensures that you can land the fish quickly, minimizing exhaustion for the sturgeon.
• Keep the fish in the water: Whenever possible, keep the fish in the water while unhooking and during photos.
• Limit handling time: Handle the fish as little as possible to reduce stress, and avoid lifting the fish out of the water unless absolutely necessary.
• No touching the gills: The gills are highly sensitive, and any contact with them can cause harm to the fish. We’ll demonstrate the best way to hold the fish safely for pictures.

8. White Sturgeon Tagging and Research

In partnership with local conservation agencies, some of the white sturgeon you catch may be part of a tagging and monitoring program. These “pit tags” are small devices inserted into the fish, allowing researchers to track their movements, growth, and population trends. Data from these tagging efforts help inform conservation strategies and provide valuable insights into sturgeon behavior and habitat use. If you catch a tagged fish, we’ll record the data to contribute to ongoing research efforts.

9. Why White Sturgeon Matter

White sturgeon are not only a fascinating species but also a keystone species in their ecosystem. Their presence helps maintain the health of river systems by controlling populations of other species and providing nutrients through their feeding habits. Protecting white sturgeon ensures the health of entire river ecosystems and preserves an important part of British Columbia’s natural heritage.