Lake sturgeon are often called Alberta’s living dinosaurs, and for good reason.  They definitely have a throwback look to them.  Instead of scales, sturgeon are covered with bony plates, and tissue that’s similar to leather.  And you’ve hit the sweet spot for scheduling – August to October is the best season for fishing lake sturgeon.

The average Alberta sturgeon is between eight and 12 years old, and stretches to 100 cm (39 in) in length, though they can reach more than two metres (79 in).  Alberta’s record is 155 cm, or 61 inches.

Weight matters, too, and a mature lake sturgeon definitely delivers.  Though the average weight for a lake sturgeon is five to nine kilograms (11 to 19 pounds), the record in Alberta is for a fish that weighed 48 kg (105 lbs).  In some locations, they have been known to reach more than 90 kg (200 pounds).

Despite the “lake” in their name, lake sturgeon are actually river-dwellers.  In Alberta, they are found in only two places – the North and South Saskatchewan River systems.

Lots of Ugly, Lots of Fun

In Alberta, fishermen pursue the lake sturgeon on a strict catch-and-release basis.  Though the fish was once a common fixture in the province, over-fishing before the 1940s saw the numbers dwindling to dangerous levels.  Conservations efforts over the years have helped the lake sturgeon fight back.  Today there are an estimated 5,000 in the province.

Compared to their better-looking trout cousins, lake sturgeon can be extremely long-lived.  They are, in fact, the longest living of the province’s fish.  Sturgeon can reach 80 years or more, and the females don’t even begin to spawn until they hit 15 years or so.  The oldest recorded lake sturgeon in Alberta reached more than 100 years, though the Canadian record is for a fish that lived more than 150 years.

Alberta’s lake sturgeon aren’t to be confused with the white sturgeon you can catch in British Columbia – they are different fish.  White sturgeon can reach up to 820 kg (1,800 lbs) in their home on the Pacific Coast.

Get Hooked on Sturgeon

Keith Rae is the owner of Get Hooked Fishing Adventures, based near Stony Plain, Alberta.  His location ensures that he can be fishing lake sturgeon on the North Saskatchewan River after less than an hour’s drive from Edmonton, Alberta’s gateway city to the North. “The area is so beautiful and it’s untouched,” Keith says.  “You’re lucky if you see one other boat the whole time you’re on the river.”

Keith is the only Alberta outfitter guiding the North Saskatchewan River. The diversity of fishing available in this part of the province is definitely part of its appeal.  “We never fish the same stretch two days in a row,” Keith says.

Many of Keith’s clients hail from the United States, and Australia, Japan, Germany and other parts of Europe are also commonly represented. “Edmonton is never thought of us a fishing destination.  People can’t believe I can give them this kind of experience this close to a million people,” Keith says.   

The Alberta Advantage

Keith is definitely a fan of the sturgeon – and fish in general.  “They are like my kids – except I’d never hook my kids,” Keith laughs.  He says that when fishing for lake sturgeon, you need to take your time.  “It’s a patience game.  Basically you are letting your bait out there and you’re waiting for the sturgeon.  They are ugly fish, but they are really fun.”

As far as technique goes, Keith prefers to use light tackle for the lake sturgeon. You’ll get more play in the line, and though it can be harder to land the fish, the process is more exciting. “Especially on light tackle, they’ll take two to three feet of air and then they start to run,” Keith says.

“I like the idea of having to play and work for them,” he adds.  Keith recalls one client who worked an hour and 35 minutes to land a sturgeon, before finally giving up.

Pick Your Spot

There’s no doubt the sturgeon can be hard to catch, especially if you don’t know the area.  “There’s not a high population of sturgeon, and you have to know where to fish,” Keith says.  “As bottom feeders, they tend to like deeper and slower water.  You really need to be in the right place at the right time.”

Get Hooked offers a variety of packages designed to offer clients a chance to personalize their Alberta fishing experience.  Keith even shows them how to pan for gold or view natural fossils in some of the area’s best locations. 

The Cast and Blast package from Get Hooked allows guests to go bird hunting in the morning, and fishing in the afternoon.  Tackle, Track and Tees sees customers combining fishing, golfing and horse racing, while the popular Fishing Fantasy package includes a chance to stay in and shop the world-famous West Edmonton Mall.

When to Come

You’ve got through October to continue enjoying the best season for fishing lake sturgeon. Keith and his crew offer custom packages designed to accommodate their guest’s travel schedules and time constraints.

Alberta’s zero limit policy for lake sturgeon seems to be paying off.  “I’ve seen a lot more of them jumping in the last three to four years than in previous years, and it’s encouraging to see that,” Keith says.

Many of Keith’s clients find it tough to beat the fishing they experience in the Edmonton area, and they come back year after year.  “There are three things we continually hear from people who visit Alberta – that the province is clean and safe, and that the people are friendly.  It’s something I’m pretty proud of.”

Resources

Get Hooked Fishing Adventures
Alberta Fish and Wildlife
Edmonton