Other names: Rock sturgeon
The lake sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, is a large freshwater fish native to North America, primarily found in the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and Mississippi River basins. This ancient species is notable for its long lifespan and slow growth, making it vulnerable to overfishing. Lake sturgeons inhabit deep river and lake bottoms, feeding on a variety of small organisms. They are considered a valuable species for both commercial and recreational fishing, though conservation efforts are essential due to declining populations.
Other names
Rock sturgeon
Length
~100" (max 220)
Weight
~30" (max 108)
Water
Fresh
Water Temp
10-18° F
Depth
5-10 ft
Cheese
Clams
Crawfish
Crayfish
Cut Bait (Fish)
Insects
Jumbo Dew worms
Leeches
Minnows
Mollusks-
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Lake sturgeons prefer the deep, slow-moving waters of large lakes and rivers, often residing near sandy or muddy bottoms
They are bottom-dwellers, using their barbels to locate food, which includes insects, small fish, and crustaceans
This species can also tolerate brackish water, occasionally moving between freshwater and slightly salty environments
Due to their sensitivity to water quality, sturgeons are found in areas with high oxygen levels and minimal pollution
Spawning occurs in spring when adults migrate to shallow, rocky river areas with strong currents
Females lay eggs on rocks or gravel, where males fertilize them externally
After spawning, adults return to deeper waters, while the eggs hatch into larvae that drift downstream to safer habitats
Lake sturgeons have a slow maturation process, taking many years to reach reproductive age, which contributes to their vulnerability
