Acipenser transmontanus
How to identify a White Sturgeon
White Sturgeon are found in lakes, rivers and reservoirs with cover (weeds, wood, rock). Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.
EnvironmentFreshwater
SeasonSpring–Fall (early/late low light best)
Habitat and range
Lakes, rivers and reservoirs with cover (weeds, wood, rock)
Where to catch White Sturgeon
- Columbia River below Bonneville (OR/WA)
- Fraser River (BC)
- Snake River (ID)
White Sturgeon by state
State season calendars that list White Sturgeon — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:
- Idaho — seasons, best months and licence info
- Oregon — seasons, best months and licence info
- Washington — seasons, best months and licence info
Baits and lures
Jigs · spinners · soft plastics · live bait
Related species
Often caught in the same waters or confused with White Sturgeon:
- Atlantic Sturgeon — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Green Sturgeon — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Gulf Sturgeon — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Lake Sturgeon — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Pallid Sturgeon — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Shortnose Sturgeon — identification & profile (Freshwater)
Monthly bite brief
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Do not rely on a photo alone for legal or food-safety decisions. Location, season, life stage and local regulations matter. Confirm any identification that affects possession limits or consumption with the responsible wildlife agency.
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