Pasco area Sturgeon Fishing on the Columbia

[Mike Carey]

Hey guys reaching out for a little help here. Planning a trip to go after some Sturgeon the middle of April down by the Pasco/Yakima yacht club area. My big question is what is the current like down this way? I'm wondering what size of lead I should be using? I was guessing around 8 oz cannon balls? Any advice as far as areas to fish/bait and set ups would also be great but i understand if you want to keep that stuff to yourself. I would just really like to know how much lead a guy needs to stay on the bottom. My game plan was to use 6-8 once cannon balls on a sliding swivel with a foot and a half leader with squid.

we have a few sturgeon videos on the site:



This is an older Google video, but has some good information as well:

Sturgeon Fishing

(This video has some good tips from Louis McMinds and also includes a shot of a 8+ footer I caught jumping out of the water (at 12 minutes in). Way cool!)


And this one is from EZ Marine Products, who make the anchor system a lot of guys use. Plus women in swimsuits are featured...

EZ Marine Sturgeon Fishing

[AJ's Dad]

Dissagree with the "Stinking bait" if you will but I have photos, old style 35mm prints of the 6 1/2 footer I caught. I can tell you that once that zip lock bag came open, you wanted to get that thing zipped up and the bait in the water. I am certainly no expert on these fish but just look at that mouth. I have to believe that thing is made for sucking things off the bottom of the river. "All things" As for a strong natural odor, I wonder how natural a pickled herring smells. My guess is the odd pickled smell drifts down the river and attracts fish just like the stink of a dead fish. No offense taken here, I'm just passing on what I had success on. A wise man once said, "Don't knock it till you've tried it" but if you do try it, I suggest you try it with rubber gloves on. That horrible smell stays on your hands all day. Happy Fishing

[Xwisconyfisherman]

thanks everyone for the advice I will let you all know how we end up doing!

[Fish_Bait111397]

Just an fyi, if your using anchovies, they fly off REAL easily when casting. Unless you hook them right.
Better hooked when frozen, if you use a whole anchovie, i would hook it right over the top of the spine, and back under. same rule if you use the tale half of it. If you use the front half, I usually hook it thru the gill, and back around above the spine.
Using a 6-10 oz cannonball or triangle weight will probably throw the anchovie off.
Just my guess.
Good Luck !!

[Matt]

FB, if you coat the bait in rock salt the night before and dust them off the next day before use they will be much tougher and stay on the hook. Plus they give off a salty aroma and flavor that sturgeon can't resist.