Shovelnose Sturgeon
Shovelnose Sturgeon are a nice sized fish, they can reach lengths as longer then a yard stick, and weigh over eight pounds. Depending upon water conditions such as algae count and the fish's main food source in it's habitat, it's color usually ranges from dark tan to chalky brown over the main portion of the body, and becoming more pale to almost milky white in color near and on the bottom area.
Shovelnose Sturgeon have a very long and flat, wide nose or snout which gives them their name. Their body have large, shield like plates instead of the normal scales that most fish have, these plates act like an armor protecting the fish from other predators. They have been around since ancient times, in fact they actually date back to the days of the dinosaurs.
Shovelnose Sturgeon spawn from late spring till early summer, or when the water temperature averages 66 degrees or better. These fish prefer to live in large and deep rivers, they tend to hover over the areas that have gravel or fine stone bottoms.
They prefer the fast flowing channels, and will also often stay near large structures such as bridge piers and fallen trees and other structures.
When fishing for Shovelnose Sturgeon, keep in mind that they are mostly bottom feeders, and they feed very similar to large bullheads and catfish. They will eat live fish as well as dead fish, and other rotten debris on the bottoms of the water they occupy.
When bait fishing for them some anglers have reported much success using nightcrawlers, and gobs of worms, but also like fishing for bullheads and catfish they will readily bite on stink baits, such as cheese balls, dough balls, and blood baits, as well as chicken liver, hot dogs and even some slightly rancid meats.
Remember they are mostly feeding on the bottoms, so place a sinker below your bait, to keep it on the bottoms where the fish actively forage for food.
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