Where can I catch Sturgeon ( Sterlet / Hybrid ) in the UK?

Very local - found only in selected stillwaters that have stocked them.

What tackle do I need to catch Sturgeon ( Sterlet / Hybrid )?

Beginner anglers usually do best with simple, safe tackle such as: Carp Rod. Start with an IDEAL or GOOD-rated setup and keep rigs balanced for fish welfare.

What bait works well for Sturgeon ( Sterlet / Hybrid )?

Natural baits such as maggots, worms or bread often work well for Sturgeon ( Sterlet / Hybrid ).

Sturgeon ( Sterlet / Hybrid ) species guide • Freshwater fish • Moderate (6/10)

Sturgeon ( Sterlet / Hybrid ) junior fishing guide

Acipenser spp.

A clear, plain-English guide to sturgeon ( sterlet / hybrid ) for parents, coaches and juniors. See where they live, the best starter tackle, simple bait choices and a three-step plan to help young anglers catch their first one safely.

🎣 View starter tackle setups 📋 Log a Sturgeon ( Sterlet / Hybrid ) catch

Junior-first & welfare-aware • 3-step beginner plan • UK venues & seasons

Skill & size • Seasons • Beginner baits

Skill level

Moderate (6/10)

Best with some experience or support from a coach.

Best time

Spring–Autumn

Pick mild, settled days for junior sessions.

Typical size

Fish from 5 - 20 lb common where stocked; much larger possible in specialist venues.

Always match hooks, nets & lines to expected fish size.

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Beginner baits

Maggots, worms, bread

Keep it simple — small hook baits, little-and-often feeding.

Typical venues: Commercial and specimen lakes where sturgeon or sterlet have been stocked.

Scroll down for detailed tackle setups, methods and parent-friendly guidance.

Catch your first sturgeon ( sterlet / hybrid ) with confidence

Catch your first Sturgeon ( Sterlet / Hybrid ) in 3 steps

A simple, repeatable plan juniors can follow with help from a parent, coach or older angler.

Step 1

Fish only on sturgeon-friendly venues

Sturgeon and sterlet are long, powerful fish often protected by fishery rules. Juniors should only fish for them on waters that specifically allow it, under close adult or coach supervision.
Step 2

Use carp-style tackle with extra care

Strong rods, big landing nets, deep unhooking mats and barbless hooks are essential. Keep rigs simple, with safe leads and enough line strength to avoid long, broken-off fish.
Step 3

Keep fish in the water as much as possible

Support sturgeon fully, keep them low, and minimise time out of the water. For juniors, focus on letting them help with wetting mats, holding the net and watching careful releases.

Tackle setups that work

Designed with juniors and fish welfare in mind. Start with an IDEAL or GOOD setup for easier casting and safe unhooking.

👉 Swipe sideways to view different setups.

Carp Rod

Beginner tip: Teach juniors to keep the rod low, use the clutch rather than back-winding, and always use a proper carp mat.

IDEAL

Rod: 10–12 ft carp rod, 2.5–3.0 lb test curve.

Reel: 4000–6000 size big-pit or carp reel with smooth clutch.

Line: 10–15 lb mono or 15–20 lb braid with safe leaders where allowed.

Terminal tackle

["Semi-fixed lead or inline method feeder"
"Safe lead clip system"
"Size 8–12 strong carp hook"
"Hair rig with pellet
boilie or corn"]

Extras

["Large padded unhooking mat"
"36-inch landing net"
"Weigh sling"
"Carp care kit"]

Standard carp rod setup for stillwater carp fishing with safe bolt rigs.

About the Sturgeon ( Sterlet / Hybrid )

Sturgeon and Sterlet are long, armoured fish with bony plates instead of normal scales. In the UK they mainly occur as stocked fish in commercial or specimen lakes, where they grow large and powerful.

Junior tip

If a junior hooks a sturgeon, support the rod but let an experienced adult help land and handle it. Always use large unhooking mats, plenty of water and never lift big fish high off the ground. Follow fishery rules - many waters require quick photos and immediate release.

Logged a Sturgeon ( Sterlet / Hybrid ) recently?

Add a catch report so juniors can see where they’re being caught, which baits work and how your tackle was set up.

Submit a catch report

Want to discover more species? Browse the full species guide.

← Back to all species

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For parents & carers

Use this page to quickly judge if Sturgeon ( Sterlet / Hybrid ) are a good match for your child’s confidence and ability.

● Clear guidance on safe handling, landing nets and unhooking.
● Beginner tackle that’s lightweight and manageable for juniors.
● Written in plain language so non-angling parents can still support on the bank.

At a glance

Family: Acipenseridae
Feeding zone: Midwater / Bottom
Diet: Pellets, fish-meal feeds and natural bottom-dwelling invertebrates.
Typical size: Fish from 5 - 20 lb common where stocked; much larger possible in specialist venues.
Best season: Most active in warmer months; often patrol midwater and margins.
Conservation: Non-native ornamental / sport fish; often protected by strict fishery rules.
UK distribution: Very local - found only in selected stillwaters that have stocked them.

Typical venues

Look for sturgeon ( sterlet / hybrid ) in:

Commercial and specimen lakes where sturgeon or sterlet have been stocked.

Conservation & care

Non-native ornamental / sport fish; often protected by strict fishery rules.

Fish Health & EA Advice

Linked conditions and guidance for Sturgeon ( Sterlet / Hybrid ).

Parasite 🟠 High risk

Chilodonella

Chilodonella is a fast-spreading parasite that attacks the skin and gills of freshwater fish. It can cause heavy mucus, grey patches, breathing problems, and even death if untreated. It thrives in poor water quality, overcrowded waters, and when fish are stressed. Good fishery management is the best way to prevent outbreaks.

Read full advice