We decided to try our luck at fishing sturgeon in the lower Snohomish this morning. After a stop or two we were in the water at the Marysville launch by 9:00 or so. We ran up to where Steamboat Slough drops seaward from Ebey Slough and then cut down Steamboat until we started to see fish on the meter. Anchor in and sandshrimp out the waiting game began. We had a number of fish mouth the bait and then spit it out. Twice one of the rod tips was buried but ultimately nobody came out to play and we went home empty handed. I think that I need to tie up the sandshrimp differently. We did not loose any sandshrimp but on the same hand I don’t think that enough of the hook was exposed. Oh well, it was a great trip and a nice few hours on the water. Giving way to caution, tides and potential shoaling we were back at the ramp by one a couple hours ahead of the minus tide.

JWS

4/9/2011 6:10:00 PM

What size hooks where you using? I've been using the Brad's pre tied dacron leaders with 5/0 ir 6/0 and seem to be getting pretty good results with them. You may also be getting a starry bite here and there. Awhile back I pulled three out of there in the 20" range, they fought like you wouldn't believe to.

haverman83

4/9/2011 8:02:00 PM

it dont matter what size ur hook is when fishing sturgeon you can use a 10/0 hook it matters the style of hook i personally have caught over 100 sturgeon in the past 3 years around here and to tell u the truth only 3 have been caught in a river system sturgeon can suck ur bait right off the hook no matter how tight u tie it on not long ago i used up two dozen sandshrimp on one fish till finally i was able to hook it and i was tieing the crap out of it well good luck to you all fishing sturgeon

timber bliss

4/10/2011 8:18:00 AM

jws ive been fishing for 60 years, and i dont have a clue what a starry is??????

Sixgill

4/10/2011 9:20:00 AM

How far down stream were you? The Snohomish is closed to all fishing under an emergency rule change from mouth (Burlington Northern railroad bridge) upstream to confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers as of Feb. 1, 2011. That should include steamboat as well. If someone knows otherwise let me know.

Dave

4/10/2011 10:52:00 AM

Magic Thread....... Holds the shrimp on. Good call being back at the launch early. I'd hate to get stranded out there. That would suck!

rseas

4/10/2011 5:52:00 PM

s76kelley you are correct; the Snohomish River system from mouth (Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge) upstream to confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers is closed to fishing for “Game Fish”. Under the WDFW Statewide Fresh Water Species Rules white sturgeon are listed as a “Food Fish” not a “Game Fish”. That said the Snohomish River (Snohomish Co.) from mouth (Burlington-Northern Railroad bridges) (including all channels, sloughs, and interconnected waterways) upstream to confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers remains open to fishing for white sturgeon. Although, March 1-May. 31 all white sturgeon caught upstream of Hwy. 2 must be released.

Sixgill

4/10/2011 7:33:00 PM

Good luck with the "food fish vs game" fish theory I think I'll play it safe.

rseas

4/11/2011 3:48:00 PM

This is a quote from Stacie Kelsey our resident WDFW expert;

“Hey Rseas-
It is closed for game fish, but yes, you can sturgeon fish. Hope that helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to let me know!

Stace"

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