Ultimate Guide on How to Choose the Best Bait for White Sturgeon Fishing

by Oleg Nikitenko October 31, 2024

The Best Bait for White Sturgeon Fishing

White Sturgeon fishing is a thrilling experience, known for the immense size and strength of this ancient species. With the right bait, you can increase your chances of landing one of these iconic fish, whether you’re fishing in the Fraser River or elsewhere. This guide will cover everything you need to know about selecting the best bait for White Sturgeon, how bait choice affects catch rates, and tips from the experts to ensure your fishing trip is successful.

Watch sturgeon fishing tips on our YouTube Channel .

1. Why Choosing the Right Bait is Essential for White Sturgeon Fishing

White Sturgeon are bottom-feeding giants with highly developed senses of smell and taste, which makes bait choice crucial. The right bait not only attracts sturgeon to your hook but also entices them to bite. Selecting bait that mimics the natural food sources of sturgeon can dramatically increase your catch success.

Quote from BC Fisheries: “Understanding the diet and behavior of White Sturgeon is the first step to choosing bait that will yield results in sturgeon fishing.”

When purchasing bait or prepared fish for sturgeon, consider high-quality sources like Global Seafoods for sustainably sourced options.

2. Understanding White Sturgeon Feeding Habits

White Sturgeon are opportunistic feeders, primarily dining on dead fish, crustaceans, and other bottom-dwelling organisms. They rely heavily on their senses of smell and taste rather than sight, making them responsive to strong-scented bait. Seasonal feeding habits also impact their behavior, with increased feeding during the spring and fall months.

Key Diet Insights:

Bottom Feeders: Sturgeon search for food along the riverbed.
Scavengers: They are drawn to dead or decaying fish, which means bait with a strong scent profile works best.
Seasonal Eaters: Sturgeon feed more aggressively in cooler months.

3. Top Bait Choices for Catching White Sturgeon

Certain bait types are particularly effective for White Sturgeon fishing. Here are the most popular choices:

Salmon Roe (Eggs)

Salmon roe is highly attractive to White Sturgeon due to its high oil content and scent. The small size of salmon eggs also allows for flexible baiting techniques.

Preparation: Use roe bags to keep the eggs together on the hook.
When to Use: Best during salmon spawning season when sturgeon are familiar with this food source.

Eel

Eel is an effective bait because of its strong scent and durability. White Sturgeon are known to prey on eels, and this bait’s toughness helps it withstand the current.

Preparation: Cut eel into chunks and secure it with durable line or hook to prevent dislodging.
When to Use: Works well in deeper, slower-moving water.

Shad and Other Baitfish

Baitfish such as shad, sardines, or mackerel mimic sturgeon’s natural diet. The oily nature of these fish leaves a scent trail in the water, luring sturgeon from a distance.

Preparation: Use fresh or frozen shad, cutting into chunks or using whole fish as desired.
When to Use: Ideal for all seasons, especially effective in murky waters where scent helps sturgeon locate the bait.

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4. Preparing Your Bait for Maximum Attraction

Proper bait preparation is essential for attracting White Sturgeon. Here are a few tips to ensure your bait releases the most scent:

Rough Cut: Cut baitfish in a way that exposes more surface area, allowing more scent to disperse.
Use Roe Bags: Secure salmon eggs in mesh roe bags to prevent them from scattering in the water.
Freshness Matters: Fresh bait has a stronger scent and is more likely to attract sturgeon, so avoid overly frozen or stale bait.

Tip: Add a few drops of fish oil to bait to intensify its scent, especially in fast-flowing waters.

5. Using Fresh vs. Frozen Bait for Sturgeon Fishing

Both fresh and frozen bait are commonly used for White Sturgeon, but each has its advantages:

Fresh Bait: Offers a stronger scent and better texture, increasing attraction.
Frozen Bait: More accessible, particularly for remote trips, and can still be effective if thawed correctly.

When to Choose Fresh: For short trips or local fishing, fresh bait is ideal for maximizing scent and presentation.

When to Choose Frozen: Frozen bait is suitable for extended fishing trips or when storage and preservation are concerns.

6. Ideal Fishing Conditions for Each Bait Type

Different bait types work better under certain conditions:

Shad and Baitfish: Best in murky or moving water where scent trails attract sturgeon.
Salmon Roe: Highly effective during salmon spawning periods in clear, calm waters.
Eel: Performs well in deep, slow-moving sections of the river where sturgeon are likely to be resting.

Monitoring water clarity, temperature, and current can help you choose the most effective bait for the conditions.

7. Expert Tips for Setting Up Sturgeon Bait

Setting up bait for sturgeon fishing requires attention to detail, as these fish have powerful jaws and are known for their cautious bites. Here are some expert tips:

Use Circle Hooks: Circle hooks work well with sturgeon, reducing the chance of gut-hooking and making catch-and-release easier.
Double Secure Your Bait: Securely tie or wrap softer bait, like salmon eggs, to ensure it stays on the hook.
Add Weights: Use sufficient weight to keep the bait on the riverbed where sturgeon feed.

Tip: Check your bait regularly to ensure it hasn’t been nibbled away or drifted from the hook.

8. Alternative Baits for Sturgeon Fishing

While traditional baits are usually best, there are some effective alternatives for White Sturgeon:

Chicken Liver: The strong smell can attract sturgeon, though it’s softer and may require securing.
Squid: Durable and offers a unique texture, squid can attract sturgeon in both fresh and saltwater areas.
Canned Fish: Puncture holes in cans of sardines or tuna and lower them into the water as chum to create a scent trail.

Experimenting with these alternative baits can help you find what works best for your specific fishing location.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid with Sturgeon Bait

Even with the best bait, certain mistakes can impact your success rate. Avoid these common pitfalls:

Using Stale Bait: Sturgeon rely on scent, so avoid using bait that has lost its freshness.
Improper Bait Size: Too-large bait can deter bites. For best results, cut bait into manageable pieces.
Overloading with Scents: Adding too many scents or attractants can overwhelm sturgeon and cause them to avoid the bait.

Pro Tip: Rotate your bait type if you’re not getting bites after a period, as sturgeon may respond better to a different scent.

10. FAQs on Choosing Sturgeon Bait

Q1: What is the best bait for White Sturgeon?
Salmon roe, shad, and eel are the top choices, thanks to their strong scent and ability to mimic natural sturgeon prey.

Q2: Can I use frozen bait for sturgeon fishing?
Yes, frozen bait can be effective if thawed properly. Fresh bait, however, typically provides a stronger scent.

Q3: How often should I check my bait?
Check bait every 30-60 minutes to ensure it hasn’t been nibbled away or drifted off the hook.

Q4: Can I use artificial lures for sturgeon?
While possible, artificial lures are generally less effective as sturgeon rely on scent for feeding.

Q5: Does bait size matter for sturgeon?
Yes, overly large bait pieces can discourage bites. Smaller, manageable sizes increase the likelihood of a catch.

Q6: Where can I buy quality bait and sturgeon products?
For top-tier options, consider Global Seafoods , offering everything from fresh sturgeon to caviar.

Conclusion

Selecting the right bait for White Sturgeon fishing can make all the difference between a successful day on the water and a missed opportunity. By understanding sturgeon feeding habits, choosing appropriate bait types, and following expert setup tips, you’ll increase your chances of a thrilling sturgeon catch. Remember, the key to attracting these ancient fish lies in quality bait that appeals to their senses and mimics their natural diet.