Oregon Sturgeon Guides

RJD Wannabe · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 3:52 am Post subject: Oregon Sturgeon Guides

Planning a trip to Ft. Stevens end of July.

Anyone have any favorite fishing guides to recommend?? Doesn't have to be right there, will have a RV and car.

TIA, Bob

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 8:43 am Post subject:

You'll want to check the regs for the estuary, as sturgeon fishing is usually shut down when salmon are running....I think it's usually Aug 1, but worth a check! I don't know of a guide there...might want to do a search at ifish.net and you may come up with one of their sponsors.

Caty

flapbreaker · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:23 pm Post subject:

I've heard good things about Clancy's.

http://www.clancysfishing.com/

AstoriaDave · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 8:34 pm Post subject:

Bob, most of the local charter outfits know the sturgeon scene well, and can put you on fish regularly. One advantage of the locals is they typically run larger vessels, with protected seating. Handy in nasty weather.

There is an intense rivalry between the locally-based charter outfits and the non-local guides, but both will give you your money's worth. Some folks prefer open seating in open boats; some do not.

Some of the longtime local outfits:

Charlton: 503-861-2429
Thunderbird: 503-861-1270
Tiki: 503-325-7818
Pacific (Ilwaco): 800-831-2695

I expect others will be more familiar with the out-of-town guides who come down and run sturgeon trips.

CW · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 10:02 pm Post subject:

It looks like sturgeon will be catch and release only in July below Wauna Powerlines. Also, many guides and most charter boats will be focusing on salmon in the ocean then. I'm sure some of the guides would be willing to work the estuary for sturgeon.

Without a doubt, my favorite professional fishing guide is Mike Kelly of Fish Reaper Guide Service. He works both in Idaho, Alaska and in the Columbia of Washington. He has always been willing to share information with me (most guides are tight lipped about what is working and where fish are being caught) , is always willing to share the river with a local, is polite and professional. Oh, and he catches more fish than any guide I've observed in ten years in this area -- especially spring chinook. His boat is open, dress warmly. http://www.fishreaper.net/

Of the Charter Boat outfits, I really like Sea Breeze Charters in Ilwaco, WA. They have been in business for decades there and are willing to burn the extra diesel to get you onto fish. Request Capt. Perry if possible. There site is: http://www.seabreezecharters.net/ The last time we fished with them was a staff fishing trip. One lady caught four huge chinook 24 - 32 lbs., the boat nearly limited, maybe just one or two fish shy of the two per person limit.

For a real kick, try oversize sturgeon fishing up in the Columbia River Gorge with a guide. These are the largest freshwater fish in the world, 8-11 ft. long. You use 5 lb. shad for bait. It is catch and release. Once hooked, many of these monsters race to the surface and jump! C.W.

RJD Wannabe · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 1:03 am Post subject:

Many thanks, great suggestions. I'm jazzed about checking out this area as much of the SF bay and delta area seems to be burning out for fishing (I pray just a bad run). My favorite is chasing sturgeon, so these look great, catching and releasing the big ones would be a blast. I hope to be able to go at least 3 days and try out some different stuff. And introduce a few kids to fishing!!

Thanks for all of the help