White Sturgeon
North America's largest freshwater fish species, native to the Columbia River system and stocked in a small number of Montana and Washington waters.
- Scientific name
- Acipenser transmontanus
- Family
- Acipenseridae
- Adult size
- Can exceed 10 feet in unimpounded populations; reservoir-bound fish typically run smaller due to limited spawning habitat.
Identification
Rows of large, bony plates (scutes) along the body, a shark-like tail, and four barbels ahead of a toothless, protrusible mouth.
Habitat
Large rivers and connected reservoirs with deep, slow pools.
Diet
Bottom-dwelling fish and invertebrates, located by taste and smell.
Angling
A tightly regulated catch-and-release fishery in most waters given the species' slow growth and vulnerable, isolated reservoir populations.
Conservation
Landlocked populations above hydroelectric dams are a state conservation concern due to blocked spawning migrations.
Recommended Tackle & Gear for White Sturgeon
Field-tested tackle, baits, and rigging strategies suited for catching White Sturgeon.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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Where White Sturgeon is stocked
When White Sturgeon is stocked
Top White Sturgeon waters
Lake Koocanusa
3 species · 532 records
Last stocked June 2024
Roosevelt Lake
Okanogan County · 4 species · 412 records
Last stocked May 2026
Columbia River General
5 species · 361 records
Last stocked June 2025
Roosevelt Lake
Okanogan County · 4 species · 293 records
Last stocked June 2026
Roosevelt Lake
Okanogan County · 2 species · 153 records
Last stocked May 2025
Columbia Near Wells
Chelan County · 4 species · 149 records
Last stocked May 2021
Roosevelt Lake
Okanogan County · 2 species · 82 records
Last stocked May 2025
Beda Lake
Grant County · 4 species · 44 records
Last stocked May 2022
Columbia Near Entiat
Chelan County · 1 species · 42 records
Last stocked May 2021
Kootenai River
3 species · 26 records
Last stocked April 2008
Spokane River
Spokane County · 3 species · 20 records
Last stocked May 2009
Lake Pateros
Douglas County · 2 species · 16 records
Last stocked June 2017
Rufus Woods Lake
Douglas County · 3 species · 11 records
Last stocked May 2017
Col River Near Basin 36
Franklin County · 2 species · 2 records
Last stocked May 2013
Col River
Klickitat County · 1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 2016
Col River
Klickitat County · 1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 2016
Plymouth Boat Ramp
Benton County · 1 species · 1 records
Last stocked April 2025
Frequently asked
Where is White Sturgeon stocked?
White Sturgeon is stocked in 17 waters across 2 states: Washington, Montana.
When is White Sturgeon stocked?
White Sturgeon is typically stocked in spring, most often in May, based on records across every state that stocks it.
How many White Sturgeon are stocked?
About 8,050,123,417 White Sturgeon have been stocked on record since 1975, across Montana, Washington.
What size White Sturgeon are stocked?
Stocked White Sturgeon average about 30.5 inches, based on sizes reported by Montana — not every state reports sizes.
What does a White Sturgeon look like?
Rows of large, bony plates (scutes) along the body, a shark-like tail, and four barbels ahead of a toothless, protrusible mouth.