CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Although catch rates have been relatively slow for this time of year, angling effort in the popular estuary white sturgeon fishery near Astoria remains high. 

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reminds anglers that the 2009 regulations for sturgeon fishing in this area are slightly different from recent years.

• From May 9 through the end of the season, the legal size limit in the estuary is 41-54 inches fork length. This size limit is different than the size limits for other sections of the river, and anglers should aware of the appropriate regulations for the area they are fishing.

• Beginning Jan. 1, 2009 all sturgeon must be measured with the “fork length” technique – from the tip of the nose to the shortest point in the fork of the tail. Anglers who continue to use the total length measurement risk retaining fish that are outside of the legal limit. A detailed explanation of the new measurement technique is available on the ODFW website.

Retention of legal-sized white sturgeon from Buoy 10 upstream to the Wauna Powerlines at river mile 40 is allowed through June 28, and again from July 2 – July 5. The 2009 harvest guideline for this area is about 15,500 fish. These areas will close when the guideline is met, but will remain open to catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon. Green sturgeon may not be retained and must be released immediately, unharmed.

Up to date in-season regulation changes are available on the Regulation Changes page of the ODFW website, or by calling ODFW’s 24-hour information hotline at 503-947-6001.

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