Giant Sturgeon Fishing Adventure on the Rainy River

Fall Fishing Adventure: Chasing Rainy River Sturgeon

There’s something almost mythical about chasing giant lake sturgeon—prehistoric, powerful, and capable of putting even the most seasoned anglers through a battle they won’t forget. And for young Crosby Smith, this was the adventure of a lifetime.

A Family Mission for the Ages

Jeremy Smith and his son Crosby embarked on a mission to hook into one of the river’s true giants. Their destination? The legendary Rainy River, nestled along the Minnesota-Ontario border. Their goal? Crosby’s first big lake sturgeon. Armed with an arsenal of crawlers, minnows, and frozen shiners, they set off in their trusted fishing vessel—the newly redesigned Lund Alaskan. A boat built for serious fishing, this workhorse was about to witness some unforgettable battles.

The Hunt Begins

As the sun cast golden hues over the water, the duo wasted no time. First, they hit what Jeremy called the “sturgeon nursery,” warming up with a few smaller fish. But let’s be real—when you come to the Rainy River, you’re not here for the little guys. You’re here for monsters.

Moving to deeper waters, Crosby felt the telltale thump on his line. Rod bent, heart racing, the fight was on.

“Lift and pull, lift and pull!” Jeremy coached.

The battle was fierce. Sturgeon aren’t the type to surrender easily. They pull, twist, and dive like aquatic freight trains. But Crosby held his ground, digging deep as his arms burned with effort. And then, breaking the surface with a prehistoric splash, the beast appeared.

Victory & Lessons from the River

Crosby had done it. Holding his catch with a mix of pride and exhaustion, he grinned at the camera. “This is fun!” he declared. And isn’t that what it’s all about? The challenge, the adrenaline, and the sheer joy of being out on the water.

But this trip wasn’t just about catching fish—it was about learning. Sturgeon fishing isn’t about casting and retrieving; it’s a waiting game. Patience is key. So are snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. (Pro tip: jalapeño chips, gummies, and Cheetos make the ultimate river-fishing fuel.)

The Rainy River, with its swirling currents and hidden giants, had given them a day to remember. And as their Lund Alaskan cut through the waves on the journey home, one thing was clear—Crosby had earned his title: The Sturgeon General.

Gear & Tactics for Sturgeon Success

For those itching to take on a sturgeon mission of their own, here’s the setup that worked for Jeremy and Crosby:

• Rod & Line: 50 lb. braided test line for max strength
• Hooks: Size 6/0 octopus-style hooks (snelled)
• Sinkers: 2 oz to 6 oz roll sinkers, depending on current speed
• Bait: A mix of nightcrawlers, minnows, and frozen shiners (worms are the MVP!)
• Boat: Lund Alaskan – spacious, stable, and built for battle

If you’ve never tangled with a sturgeon before, add it to your bucket list. These fish fight like they belong in a different era—because they do. With a bit of patience, some quality bait, and a boat built to handle the action, you just might find yourself locked in a battle with one of the greatest freshwater warriors on the planet.