In my guiding on Lake Wissota, I've encountered several areas in which I VERY frequently encounter jumping sturgeon. VERY frequently. Clear out of the water, quite obviously sturgeon and not some other fish. This seems to occur most often at this time of the year, when water temps are at their peak.
If a guy was to target sturgeon during the upcoming WI inland season, would he start by fishing in these areas where sturgeon are jumping frequently, or is it better to look for some other place where feeding might occur more readily that jumping.
I have done well in areas where the sturgeon jump.
As time goes by more there will be questions about why sturgeon jump. An Idea that has crossed by me is that other fish such as tarpon jump to increase the oxygen in their system for a burst of energy. This came from a conversation with a guy that has studied tarpon and it is proven that they gain oxygen by jumping. SOOOOOO.......... WHY NOT STURGEON? Just an idea.
--------------------
“Knowing is not enough. We must apply,” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The sturgeon are really jumping on the St Croix right now too. I agree with Outdoors4Life - those spots where you see fish are the place to start your hunt from. I"ve been surprised how spread out and how numerous the St Croix sturgeon are. In my experience with St Croix sturgeon the bite turns off and on and is hard to predict. When they do start biting the action is fast and furious.
I have often caught sturgeon where I've seen them jumping. I would definitely stop and fish there first if you see several fish jump in a small area. It usually doesn't take long to hook up!
We see them jumping in a relatively shallow portion of the upper St. Croix in 5-6 ft depths. This area is affected by the dam and maintains a constant depth. It has some weed growth and little current. I have never attempted but remember reading that night crawlers work well. If you guys were to describe an ideal structure type, what would it be for sturgeon? I wander from the Arcola sandbar to up north of Sunrise.
The biggest sturgeon I have seen caught was in an area where fish as big as him, if not bigger, were jumping. I don't think it has anything to do with them feeding or not feeding. So I don't think it has anything to do with them be catchable or not catchable. I bet the moment a jumper hits the water he b-lines it right for the bottom.
-------------------- Some people like fishing, I prefer catching.
Quote: We see them jumping in a relatively shallow portion of the upper St. Croix in 5-6 ft depths. This area is affected by the dam and maintains a constant depth. It has some weed growth and little current. I have never attempted but remember reading that night crawlers work well. If you guys were to describe an ideal structure type, what would it be for sturgeon? I wander from the Arcola sandbar to up north of Sunrise.
Thanks,
TC
North of the Taylor Falls dam there is no open season for sturgeon meaning no targeting them even for catch and release.
As far as places to fish I like to find places that would concentrate feeding areas for scavengers. Heads of holes have treated me very well as have sandy areas.
--------------------
“Knowing is not enough. We must apply,” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
-------------------- "We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are always there for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you." -Jeff Warner
57 inches can't remember the girth.......AND WHERE THE **** HAVE YOU BEEN?
I was just over at Bob's and asked if you were still alive. A couple years ago the pressure was put on you too....I like being an underdog. I am already signed up with Bob for this years contest but not much time to fish with buying a house. I have done some recon this year on the croix for new spots to try out. Bob did put a little damper on it with the boundry being the high bridge not that there are any sturgeon up there. Well I guess right now my guess for taking the contest will be a 60 incher. I hope I max out my measuring stick again!
--------------------
“Knowing is not enough. We must apply,” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Haha! Sorry! I couldn't resist. Yes I'm still alive. Thanks for asking. Been too busy to go catfishing even once this summer, so I haven't been on here. I'm hoping Bob will still let me in the door after not being there for so long. I would have to agree that a 60 incher will take the contest! We shall see....! I can't wait!
I've seen the same thing, Steve... I've seen some decent sized sturgeon jump clear out of the water - quite a sight! This year, I'm going to try to target a few of those beasts
From what I've read, fish usually jump to rid themselves of parasites and things like that, which is why many fish jump when hooked. They're trying to shake the hook out, which is much easier to do in thin air than under water. Maybe the jumping sturgeon have lampreys or some other parasites on them. Just speculating.
-------------------- You know that feeling in your stomach when you get that first quick glimpse of a big fish way down in the water? Awesome.
Sturgeon: jumping vs. feeding areas
Re: Sturgeon: jumping vs. feeding areas
What was your winner again Outdoors? I don't remember.
Yes I'm still alive. Thanks for asking. Been too busy to go catfishing even once this summer, so I haven't been on here. I'm hoping Bob will still let me in the door after not being there for so long. 
