Shortnose Sturgeon

The shortnose sturgeon is an endangered species that is found from Florida to Canada. Though these fish are born in freshwater, they live in saltwater most of their lives. The best ways to catch them are by bottom fishing, drift fishing, and still fishing.

Shortnose Sturgeon

Region: Northeast, South
Habitat: River, Bay

How to identify Shortnose Sturgeon

Shortnose sturgeons generally grow up to 4 ½ feet long and can reach weights of up to sixty pounds. Their bodies are brownish-yellow with black backs and yellow-white abdomens. They have a protruding snout and four barbels that look like whiskers. The shortnose sturgeon looks similar to the Atlantic sturgeon; however, Atlantic sturgeons are larger, have smaller mouths, have more prominent shaped snouts, and lack patterned scutes on their tails.

Where to catch Shortnose Sturgeon

Unlike their ocean-going relatives, shortnose sturgeons tend to stick to inland/coastal waters from Florida up to Canada. Shortnose sturgeons thrive in 41 east coast rivers/bays, 19 of which they use to reproduce. They are born into freshwater, where they remain except when migrating out into saltwater to feed. By staying in the freshwater, they avoid being preyed upon. Sturgeons as a whole are freshwater spawners.

Range: Northeast, South
Shortnose Sturgeon Fishing Map

The following are habitats where you can catch Shortnose Sturgeon:

How to catch Shortnose Sturgeon

Shortnose sturgeons are listed as endangered in the Endangered Species act. For this reason, anglers should take great care not to harm them when fishing. These fish are in great danger of becoming extinct.

Anglers looking to catch shortnose sturgeons, should be sure to get their baits to the bottom. Just above a snap swivel on the braid, anglers can snap on two triangle weights. This allows the weights to move up and down on the line without affecting any sensation of a fish biting. Anglers can add a few nightcrawlers to their hook after rigging. Simply cast out the line, allow it to fall to the bottom, and wait. The best methods for catching shortnose sturgeons include bottom fishing, drift fishing, and still fishing.

The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Shortnose Sturgeon:

Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Shortnose Sturgeon

Live and cut baits work well for catching shortnose sturgeons, including crustaceans, insects, and mollusks.

The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Shortnose Sturgeon: