Sturgeon Fishing Trip

NEW Astoria, OR 1 - 3 People 8 Hours From $550 Trip #9509
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

About Your Trip

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

If you're looking for a non-stop, rod-bending, arm-burning fishing experience that’s as thrilling as it is unforgettable, look no further than a guided sturgeon trip on the Columbia River with Captain Mike. From May through July, the lower Columbia near Astoria lights up with one of the most exciting fisheries in the Pacific Northwest—giant white sturgeon. These prehistoric beasts can grow to over eight feet long and weigh up to 250 pounds, and catching them...

About Your Trip

If you're looking for a non-stop, rod-bending, arm-burning fishing experience that’s as thrilling as it is unforgettable, look no further than a guided sturgeon trip on the Columbia River with Captain Mike. From May through July, the lower Columbia near Astoria lights up with one of the most exciting fisheries in the Pacific Northwest—giant white sturgeon. These prehistoric beasts can grow to over eight feet long and weigh up to 250 pounds, and catching them is something every angler should experience at least once.

Captain Mike runs his sturgeon trips from proven launch points like East Mooring Basin, John Day, and Aldrich Point, choosing the best ramp based on river conditions and tide cycles. As the weather warms and massive schools of anchovies and baitfish move in, sturgeon flood into the lower Columbia to feed—setting the stage for fast action and seriously big fish. By July, water temps reach that sweet spot near 70 degrees, and the bite often goes absolutely off.

You’ll fish from Captain Mike’s 22’ River Wild aluminum power boat, custom-built for comfort and fishability, and able to accommodate up to six anglers. This setup is perfect for family outings, business groups, or anyone looking to experience an unforgettable day on the water. Many guests say they’re sore the next day from hooking so many hard-fighting fish—and with an average day seeing 15 to 30 hookups, that’s no exaggeration.

Sturgeon fishing on the Columbia is mostly catch and release, though the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife often announces limited retention dates in May and June. These dates are subject to change and usually set a month or two in advance.

Fishing techniques focus on heavy gear and stout tackle to handle the sheer size and power of these fish. Captain Mike uses a variety of proven baits—sand shrimp, squid, anchovies, and even nightcrawlers—to tempt sturgeon into biting. Depending on the tide and water level, you might fish anchored in deep channels or shallow sand flats, where hooking a 100-pound fish in just a couple feet of water makes for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

While sturgeon may look intimidating, they’re bottom feeders that lack teeth and rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food. They use their vacuum-like mouths to root out meals from the riverbed—an odd but fascinating behavior that makes this fishery so unique and fun to be part of. It’s not just about catching fish, it’s about the experience of going toe-to-toe with a creature that looks like it swam straight out of the Jurassic period.

All gear is provided on your trip—rods, reels, bait, tackle, and safety equipment—so all you need to bring is your Oregon fishing license, food and drinks for the day, and clothing for any weather. Summer on the Columbia can bring sunshine, rain, and wind all in the same trip, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers and pack sunscreen and sunglasses for those bright afternoons.

Trips generally start early in the morning to take advantage of ideal tides and calmer conditions. As the day progresses, winds can pick up—especially after a tide change—and that’s often when Mike wraps things up. But by then, most guests are more than ready to call it a day after hauling in so many fish their arms feel like jelly.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler, sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River with Captain Mike is the kind of high-energy, action-filled adventure that keeps people coming back year after year. It’s a fantastic option for families, friend groups, or corporate outings, and with the potential to catch some of the largest freshwater fish in North America, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

8 hours
1 Person
$550.00
2 People
$550.00
3 People
$825.00
Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.
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About Your Guide

Mike H.

Independent Guide
Mike is a licensed Columbia River and Oregon Coast fishing guide with a deep passion for chasing Salmon, Steelhead, and Sturgeon. With years of experience on the water, he offers trips that are both exciting and beginner-friendly—perfect for anglers of all skill levels.

Operating out of prime fishing spots like Astoria, St. Helens, Tillamook, and Westport, Mike knows how to follow the bite and put you where the action is. Whether you're looking to battle...

About Your Guide

Mike H.

Independent Guide
Mike is a licensed Columbia River and Oregon Coast fishing guide with a deep passion for chasing Salmon, Steelhead, and Sturgeon. With years of experience on the water, he offers trips that are both exciting and beginner-friendly—perfect for anglers of all skill levels.

Operating out of prime fishing spots like Astoria, St. Helens, Tillamook, and Westport, Mike knows how to follow the bite and put you where the action is. Whether you're looking to battle a hard-fighting Chinook, reel in a slab Steelhead, or take on massive Sturgeon, he’s got the gear, the know-how, and the dedication to make it happen.

Mike’s trips are focused on fun, safety, and creating lasting memories on the water. Come out for a day of fishing, and leave with stories you’ll be telling for years.
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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.
You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.
Astoria, Oregon
Areas Fished

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Sturgeon Fishing Trip
Boat Type
Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Alumaweld Columbia
Boat Length
22'
Boat Restroom
No

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Alumaweld Columbia
Boat Length
22'
Boat Restroom
No
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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won't lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

All gear is included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything else you might want on the trip.
You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.
We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).
Cancel for free up to 7 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 7 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.
In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.
We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.
Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!
In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.
Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.
After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.
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