Sturgeon Fest 2022
There was always talk between my father and I about fishing for sturgeon during the limited season in September. I even built a rod specifically for sturgeon fishing the river. Sadly, before his passing in 2022 we were not able to make it happen. So, that 2022 season there would be nothing that could stop me from making it happen. I reached out to a few close friends to make sure we would do it right. It was 4 of us total for the 2022 season of what is now called “Sturgeon Fest.”
The plan was fairly simple, cast out some nightcrawlers with a 8oz pyramid sinker, pull up a chair, and relax. This style of fishing is not always action packed, but when you are dealing with blind dinosaurs, what can you do. Once the rods were casted out we set up a pop up canopy, some chairs, a table, and music. It was very relaxing and I got a ton of flies tied up while being able to hang out with good friends. That in itself is a great day. The fishing wasn’t great. We definitely were not catching… anything. There was a group of guys down stream 100 or so feet from us that camp out the entire season. Their group has been doing it for years in the same spot, and they catch fish. They were in a spot that has a sandy bowl in the river, which meant we were stuck casting into rocks.
Casting into these rocks that are more recognized as small boulders gave us some challenges. Obviously losing rigs, was a big problem along with expecting an almost blind fish to willingly navigate through these rocks to find a cluster of nightcrawlers. There were a few missed fish, and one poor rock bass caught on the sturgeon rod.
The night sky approached as a fire was started, rod tips got lit with LED lights, and the stories continued. As the clouds rolled in the rain began to fall. We discussed a strategy for the next year, where to fish from, and a change in tactics. The rain lightened up, so we loaded up the trucks and headed back to base camp.
The first annual Sturgeon Fest was a great learning experience for us. As the friendships continue to grow, we are hoping this event gets a bit larger with our close friends. A reason to celebrate the waters, the fish, and the relationships that develop through the love of the outdoors.
Chris Hernet
