Lake Sturgeon

My favorite fish of all time, The Lake Sturgeon is one of North America's most ancient freshwater fish species, with roots dating back over 135 million years. These fish are true living fossils, known for their long, torpedo-shaped bodies, armored scutes, and shark-like tails. Native to the Great Lakes, Mississippi River, and Hudson Bay drainages, Lake Sturgeon were once incredibly abundant before overfishing and damming decimated their numbers.

Despite their intimidating size—they can grow over 7 feet long—Lake Sturgeon are gentle bottom-feeders, sifting through sediment to find insect larvae, crustaceans, and small fish. Thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers are slowly rebounding in several regions. Catch-and-release fishing for them is a major thrill for anglers seeking a true prehistoric prize.

Record Size: 240lbs

Where to Find Them: Deep holes in rivers, bottom of lakes, around current seams or dam tailwaters 

How to Make Smoked Sturgeon - Homemade Smoked Sturgeon 

1. Lake Sturgeon can live more than 100 years!
   
   

2. Females don’t spawn every year—sometimes just once every 4–6 years.
   
   

3. They have no teeth and use their sensitive barbels to find food.