White Sturgeon

The largest freshwater fish in North America. These prehistoric giants can grow over 10 feet long and live for more than 100 years. They are strictly catch-and-release in Idaho.

Habitat

Deep, slow-moving pools in the Snake, Clearwater, and Kootenai rivers.

Feeding & Timing

Sensing feeders that use barbels to find food on the riverbed. They rely heavily on scent rather than sight.

Best windows: Nighttime and Cloudy days.

Season Overview

Summer and Fall (June-October) are most productive for bank anglers.

Tactics That Work

• Anchoring in deep holes with heavy weights (8-16 oz)
• Use large circle hooks to ensure safe mouth-hooking

Productive baits and patterns: Smelt, Squid, Pickled Herring, Nightcrawler 'gobs', Lamprey.

Regulations

• Strictly Catch-and-Release only
• Must never be removed from the water (even for photos)
• Heavy-duty tackle required (80 lb+ test) to ensure a safe fight

Always confirm with the current IDFG rule book before heading out — limits and seasons change by water.

Idaho state record: Modern C&R only.