RIVER FISH · Western river giant
White sturgeon
Acipenser transmontanus
A huge, long-lived western sturgeon with rows of bony scutes that uses major rivers, estuaries and connected lake habitat.
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Meet the fish
- Habitat
- Large western rivers, estuaries and some lake systems, with spawning tied to suitable flowing-river habitat.
- On the menu
- Bottom-oriented feeding on invertebrates, fish and other available animal prey as the fish grows.
- Size context
- White sturgeon are among North America's largest freshwater fishes; size and age structure vary dramatically among populations.
- Range & local context
- Western North America, including major Pacific-draining river systems. Some populations are landlocked behind natural or human barriers.
Living with the river
Water & habitat
River connectivity, depth, temperature and spawning hydraulics matter. A single discharge value cannot summarize habitat for a fish that may move across hundreds of river miles.
Seasonal life
Adults may migrate substantial distances within river systems to reach spawning habitat; timing differs among populations and water years.
Before you go
Management differs by population. The Kootenai River population is federally endangered, while other populations have different protections and fisheries rules.
Use the linked agencies and the relevant river guide for current regulations, closures and consumption advisories. A species profile is not a fishing license or a statement that harvest is allowed.
Editorial review: . Regional size examples are labeled; maximum lengths are not typical sizes.
More river fish
Keep exploring species connected to the same river-guide network.