Acipenser transmontanus

Pacific sturgeon, Oregon sturgeon, Columbia sturgeon

s/f

The snout is short and the barbels are farther forward than the lake sturgeon. The back is gray/brown with white spots.

White sturgeon can be found in numerous coastal habitats. This fish can live in either fresh or saltwater areas but spend most of their time in Pacific estuaries, moving into coastal rivers to spawn. They also gravitate to clean rivers that have a moderate current. Some run high into these rivers and never return to the saltwater.

Compared to other sturgeons, whites consume the widest variety of food. They are primarily bottom feeders who scavenge for larvae, crustaceans, fish eggs, frogs, clams, and live fish at night.

Whites can live more than 100 years. Their growth occurs more rapidly in the south.

Given the white sturgeon's potential for enormous lengths, it is North America's only inland big-game fish. A standard white sturgeon rig consists of 100-lb line, a heavy saltwater rod/reel outfit, 12/0 hook and 3/4-lb. sinker.

Whites are very popular for their caviar. Their white flesh is known to taste excellent either smoked or served fresh.