STURGEON %?

[LEECH21]

I'M FROM CENTRAL MN AND MY COUSIN WENT UP TO RAINY RIVER ON APRIL 26, 27,& 28 TO FISH FOR STURGEON. THE THREE DAYS UP THERE THEY CAUGHT (I THINK) FIVE TOTAL. I REALLY WAN'T TO CATCH ONE OF THESE FISH. IS THE BITE FOR STURGEON GOOD ALL YEAR OR BETTER AT TIMES? IF I DRIVE UP FOR A 1 OR 2 DAY TRIP THIS SUMMER, WHAT IS THE CHANCE OF ME CATCHING JUST ONE? I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THIS RIVER (I'M USED TO FISHING THE MN RIVER) SO ANY ANSWERS WOULD HELP. THANKS!

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[LEECH21]

IS THERE ANY TIME IN THE YEAR THAT YOU CANNOT FISH FOR STURGEON?

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[Tom Stay]

LEECH21- Sturgeon fishing in July and August and even Sept. can be very good. If the river levels are stable and clarity ok the bite is decent to excellent at times. Your chances of a hook up and a catch are very good in my opinion.
Some stretches of river can be better than others, it takes some searching and a little time to eliminate water that is non productive. My rule of thumb is if I'm not getting bit, move. Move till you get bit and then expand your search in that area. A half hour to 45 minutes is all I will spend on a spot without getting any action.
Typically a gob of crawlers on the bottom and your good to go.
My party landed 2 over 60 inches a week or so ago. 63 & 68 1/2 inchers. You'll be hooked once you get a couple under your belt.
Good Luck to you.

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www.gonzosguideservice.com

[Sandee]

During sturgeon spawning season, which is now through June 30th. Season re-opens for harvest July 1 through Sept 30th, then catch and release Oct 1 through April 23, 2005.

I see many sturgeon caught in September and October. Anchoring is your best bet, seems like less sturgeon if you drift. They like to hold in the "holes", doesn't matter if you jig or let it sit. Nightcrawlers or emerald shiners and we use jigs. Spray a little juice on your bait, sturgeon feed more by scent.

Good Luck!

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Clementson Resort
Fishing on the Rainy River
in Lake of the Woods Area

[LEECH21]

THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO GUYS! I WANT TO MAKE IT UP THERE THIS SUMMER... THE ONLY PROBLEM IS ITS ABOUT A SEVEN HOUR DRIVE UP AND MY WORK SCHEDULE IS REAL BUSY. WITH A LITTLE LUCK IT WILL HAPPEN.

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[jclymer]

Leech,
Made my first sturgeon fishing trip this year and I know when i thought about sturgeon fishing before I actually went I thought every fish was going to be a monster. This is not the case, we caught 2 large fish and about 40 small fish. I will be making it a annual trip for sure, but don't get the wrong impression that you are going to be hauling in monster after monster, you may find yourself a little disappointed!

[LEECH21]

Here's a question for all you locals: Is the sturgeon fishing better in the spring or summer? By "better" I mean both in size and numbers. Just wondering when to make the trip. Thanks.

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[Tom Stay]

I would say the spring bite is more consistant as far as numbers (most years).
But a big fish could come at any time of year.
The summer months can produce good numbers also if you get in the right hole while they are on the feed.

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www.gonzosguideservice.com

[Sandee]

Include the month of October for sturgeon action. Our fall season has seen 40 sturgeon per week, with an average of 10 in the "slot" size.

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Clementson Resort
Fishing on the Rainy River
in Lake of the Woods Area