Sturgeon populations on the rise in Central California

Sturgeons are striking fish that can grow up to eight feet long and weigh as much as 200 pounds. These fish were once abundant in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, but their populations have declined in recent decades due to overfishing and habitat loss. In recent years, however, sturgeon populations have been on the rise in Central California, thanks to improved water quality and restoration efforts.

Sturgeons are bottom-feeders that consume a wide variety of prey, including mussels, clams, and other fish. They are an important part of the food web in the Delta, and their resurgence is benefiting other aquatic species as well.

Despite their growing numbers, sturgeons remain a protected species under state and federal law. It is illegal to catch them intentionally or possess their eggs or meat. However, if you happen to catch a sturgeon while fishing for other species, you are allowed to keep it provided you release it immediately unharmed back into the water.

The resurgence of sturgeons in Central California is a success story for aquatic ecosystems and provides hope for the future of these remarkable fish.

Huge sturgeon caught in the Sacramento River

A new world record was set this week when a massive sturgeon was pulled from the Sacramento River. The fish is estimated to weigh in at over 1,000 pounds, and it took more than a dozen people to reel it in.

It's not clear why the sturgeon was swimming so close to the surface, but locals say it's not unusual to see them this big. The previous record holder was a fish that weighed in at just under 800 pounds.

Some people are already calling for a ban on fishing for sturgeon, but others argue that the massive fish could provide a much-needed economic boost to the local community. There's no word yet on what will happen to the giant sturgeon, but it's sure to cause a stir wherever it ends up.

Anglers reeling in record-sized sturgeon on the Columbia River

Thirty-six anglers registered catches of over 100 pounds (45.36 kg) sturgeon during the 2017 season on the Columbia River, according to a recent report from Oregon Fish and Wildlife. That makes it the sixth consecutive year that anglers have brought in more than 100-pound sturgeon from the river.

"The big Columbia River female sturgeons are starting to stage for their upcoming spawning run," said Senior State Fish Biologist Stuart Deschutes in a statement. "Anglers are taking advantage of this pre-season opportunity and reaping the benefits with some impressive catches."

The largest catch of the season was made by Jason Zandstra of Richland, Washington, who reeled in a 203-pound (92.07 kg) sturgeon on October 1. That beats the previous record set in 2016 of 192 pounds (87.09 kg).

Sturgeon reaching over 100 pounds are not unusual on the Columbia River. According to ODFW data, there have been 191 fish caught over that weight since 2002. The largest sturgeon ever recorded in Oregon was a 383-pound (174.61 kg) behemoth taken from the Willamette River in 1963.

ODFW offers several tips for those planning to go sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River this season:

•Be aware of closed areas and obey all posted regulations •Use caution when wading or fishing from shore; there are many hazards on the river such as log jams and submerged rocks •Watch for other boats and use caution when crossing shipping channels •Remember that state law requires anyone fishing for sturgeon to possess a valid 2018 Oregon freshwater fishing license

Sturgeon becoming more popular with sport fishermen

Sturgeon are one of the oldest and largest fish species in the world and they are gaining in popularity as a sport fish. Anglers can target sturgeon in many states, with the best fishing opportunities located in the Midwest and on the East Coast.

The biggest challenge when fishing for sturgeon is finding them. Sturgeon inhabit large, deep rivers where they feed on bottom-dwelling invertebrates like mussels, clams, and crayfish. Because they are mostly sedentary, sturgeon can be difficult to locate.

When you do find a spot that looks likely, use a sensitive rod and reel with 20-pound test line to present your bait near the bottom. Live bait works best, but you can also use artificial lures. Use slack line to allow your bait to sink slowly to the bottom. Then wait for a big bite!

Sturgeon fight hard once hooked and can easily break 10-pound test line. They are not considered great table fare, but their meat is firm and plentiful. So if you're looking for an adventure and some excitement while fishing, try targeting sturgeon!

Sturgeon fishing season opens in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced that the sturgeon fishing season will open Saturday, Feb. 17 on the Mississippi River below Keokuk Dam.

The season will close at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 30.

Anglers may harvest one sturgeon per day with a limit of two sturgeons per possession. The daily sport bag limit for all other fish species is five.

Sturgeon over 54 inches in length must be released immediately unharmed. All sturgeon harvested or released must have a hard release device in place.

The IDNR urges anglers to use caution when handling any big fish and to remember that there is a lot of current and cold water conditions can lead to Hypothermia quickly.