Protecting Fraser River White Sturgeon isn't just part of what we do—it's at the heart of every trip.

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Sturgeon Outfitters is proud to be an active member of the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society and a participant in the Adopt-a-Fish program. For more than 15 years, owner and guide Mike Neufeld has worked alongside the Society, helping tag, measure, and safely release over 10,000 White Sturgeon. Every fish provides valuable scientific data that helps researchers monitor the health of the population and ensure these incredible fish thrive for generations to come.

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White Sturgeon have survived since the time of the dinosaurs, enduring the Ice Age and becoming one of the largest freshwater fish species in the world. They can grow to over 6 metres (20 feet) in length, weigh more than 600 kilograms (1,300 pounds), and live well over 100 years.

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Despite their resilience, White Sturgeon are vulnerable because they mature slowly. Females typically don't begin reproducing until around 15 years of age and may only spawn once every 4 to 10 years. Historic overfishing dramatically reduced their numbers, making responsible catch-and-release fishing and scientific monitoring essential to their recovery.

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Every guided trip contributes directly to this effort. Each sturgeon is carefully handled, scanned for an existing tag, measured, and safely released. If your fish has been tagged before, you'll learn its unique history and previous captures. If it's an unmarked fish, you may have the opportunity to assist in tagging it, contributing valuable information to one of North America's most respected freshwater conservation programs.

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Want to stay connected with your catch? Through the Adopt-a-Fish program, you can adopt your sturgeon, receive updates if it's recaptured in the future, and follow its journey through the Fraser River system.

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When you fish with Sturgeon Outfitters, you're not only experiencing the thrill of battling one of the world's oldest freshwater fish—you're helping ensure future generations can experience it too.