Freshwater · Year-round in the Fraser; late fall through spring is prime
White Sturgeon
Acipenser transmontanus
The largest freshwater fish in North America and the Fraser River's signature catch-and-release giant. Sturgeon vacuum bait off the bottom in deep slots and, once hooked, make long runs and sometimes leap clear of the water.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Rows of bony plates (scutes) along the back and sides instead of scales
- Shark-like tail with a much longer upper lobe
- Toothless, protrusible tube mouth underneath the blunt snout, with four barbels in front of it
- Grey-olive back fading to a white belly; skin feels like sandpaper
- Look-alike: channel catfish is far smaller, scaleless and smooth with sharp pectoral spines
Habits
- Bottom feeder that finds roe, lamprey and dead fish by scent and barbels
- Holds in deep, slow slots out of the main current
- Moves seasonally — tidal reaches in winter, upriver following salmon runs
- Feeds day and night; bites are often a series of light taps
Distribution
Where to find them
- Deep slots and ledges in the tidal and lower Fraser, by anchored boat
- Edges of deep holes below riffles and creek mouths
- Columbia River deep holes and dam tailraces
- River bends where the current slows and scent pools
Where they live
How to catch them
Anchored bottom fishing
Rig: Heavy sliding weight (12-20 oz in current) on a short leader to a large barbless circle or J hook
Bait/lure: Roe sacs, lamprey or oolichan, matched to the season
Key tip: Match the bait to what is spawning or running. Wait out the taps before lifting.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: 8-9 ft heavy sturgeon rod
- Line: 80-130 lb braid
- Terminal: Large barbless hooks, heavy sliding weights, 60-80 lb leader
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 3-6 ft; large fish 10 ft+
On the table
Firm white flesh where retained; most Fraser fish are released unharmed.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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