lake-sturgeon
Species Facts

Science Name: Acipenser fulvescens
Other Names: rock sturgeon, black sturgeon, brown sturgeon, rubber-nose, and smoothback
Ideal Temp: 60 to 65
World Record: 168 lbs. Ont.
Environment: River and lakes
Techniques: Bottom fishing
Description

Sturgeons are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, in both fresh water and salt water. In some parts of the world, sturgeons are commercially valuable for their meat and for their eggs, which are used for caviar. Although they were once a more common part of our native wildlife, nowadays Pennsylvania sturgeons are rare. Pollution, and locks and dams across the large rivers it prefers, which block access to spawning grounds, have been responsible for the lake sturgeon's decline.

Sturgeons are elongate, with a flattened head and snout, and seem to be five-sided. This is because they have five rows of bony plates running along the body, one along the back, two on the sides and two on the underside. The plates are sharp in young fish, but smooth with wear in older, larger fish. Lake sturgeons reach seven feet long, with olive-brown to gray on the back and sides, white underparts, and dark-brown to gray fins. The rows of bony scales on the top and sides are the same color as the body.

Table Quality The rich, oily flesh is delicious when smoked. It can also be eaten fresh, but the taste is more like veal than fish.

Sporting Qualities Because lake sturgeon are primarily bottom feeders, they are almost always caught on natural bait, particularly nightcrawlers, dead minnows, and cut bait. Veteran anglers use 20- to 50-pound-test line. Lake sturgeon are powerful fighters known for their leaping ability.

Habitat Found only in large rivers and connecting lakes. The best rivers have long reaches not blocked by dams. Lake sturgeon usually inhabit areas with sand-gravel or rock bottoms. Their preferred temperature range is 60 to 65F.

Food Habits A lake sturgeon combs the bottom with its barbels, using its protractile mouth to suck in insect larvae, snails, small clams and crayfish. The heaviest feeding starts in the evening and continues until early morning.

Spawning Habits Lake sturgeon do not become sexually mature until about age 20. They spawn in late spring or early summer, normally at water temperatures from 55 to 64F. Before spawning, they thrash in the shallows and often leap completely out of the water. Spawning takes place- in swift water, frequently in rapids below impassable falls.

Age and Growth Males live as long as 55 years, females as long as 80. However, a 208-pound lake sturgeon caught in Lake of the Woods, Ontario, in 1953 was said to be 152 years old.

Tips for Fishing

Lake Sturgeon are an endangered species and are to be put back in the waters where caught immediately.