Gulf Sturgeon

A large anadromous sturgeon with rows of bony scutes and four barbels below a flat, shovel-like snout. Brownish to gray. Unique life history — feeds voraciously in Gulf Coast rivers in summer, then migrates to the Gulf of Mexico in winter where it fasts entirely. Listed as Threatened under the ESA. Famous for spectacular leaping in the Suwannee River.

Gulf Coast rivers from the Suwannee River in Florida west to Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. Spends summer in clear, spring-fed Gulf Coast rivers; winters in shallow Gulf coastal waters. The spectacular summer leaping displays in the Suwannee can reach 8+ feet — a serious boat collision hazard.

72°F–82°F in freshwater summer phase; cooler marine temperatures in winter. The Suwannee River hosts the largest population.

Best Lures: N/A — federally threatened. No targeted fishing permitted. Best Baits: N/A — protected species. If encountered, handle carefully and release immediately. Report sightings to USFWS.