Unprecedented Week of Giant Sturgeon Catches Thrills Idaho Fish & Game Researchers
Idaho Fish & Game researchers recently experienced an extraordinary week of sturgeon sampling in Hells Canyon on the Snake River. Over the years, the team had encountered thousands of white sturgeon, but only a handful measuring longer than 10 feet. However, in a stroke of luck and strategic adjustments, the researchers managed to hook not one, but three colossal 10-foot sturgeons during their sampling expedition.
The week’s excitement began when the research group faced difficulties hooking a sturgeon due to their light biting behavior. Determined not to miss any opportunities, the team adjusted their strategy, closely monitoring their rods. Their perseverance paid off when they were astounded by the sight of a massive sturgeon launching itself into the air. After an intense hour and 15 minutes, they successfully reeled in a 10-foot, 1-inch long behemoth with an impressive 50-inch girth.
The excitement did not end with the first two catches. The researchers continued their incredible streak, landing two more 10-foot sturgeons over the course of the week. One of these sturgeons was a familiar face, having been caught and measured previously in 2010 at 9 feet, 10 inches. Now, a decade later, it had grown to an astonishing 10 feet, 4 inches, proving the sturgeon’s long lifespan and growth potential. 
The Idaho Fish & Game researchers experienced an unforgettable week in Hells Canyon, filled with awe-inspiring encounters with three massive 10-foot sturgeons. These rare catches not only thrilled the team but also provided valuable data for the study and conservation of white sturgeon populations. Such extraordinary moments in the field remind us of the wonders of the natural world and the importance of preserving these majestic creatures for generations to come. 
