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Persian sturgeon

Huso persicus

Persian sturgeon© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Persian sturgeon is a massive anadromous catostomid native to the Caspian Sea basin, known for its impressive size and valuable roe. Anglers prize it for its powerful, steady fight and the high-quality caviar it yields.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Acipenseridae

Max Size

255 cm

Max Weight

70 kg

Habitat

marine, freshwater, brackish

Climate

temperate

Best Season

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)

Best Time

Dawn and dusk

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Persian sturgeon

  • Use a heavy-duty rod (7-9 ft) with a strong backbone and a fast action
  • Employ 30-80 lb test braided line with a sturdy fluorocarbon leader
  • Bait with live or fresh dead shad, herring, or sturgeon roe, presented on a heavy sinker near the bottom
  • Drift or anchor in deep channels and maintain steady tension to tire the fish before the fight

Top Fishing Locations for Persian sturgeon

Bandar Anzali

Iran
intermediate60% Common

A major port on the southern Caspian Sea known for its abundant Persian sturgeon runs during the spawning season.

Best: May-September

Lankaran

Azerbaijan
intermediate55% Common

Coastal town on the Caspian Sea where the warm currents attract sizable Persian sturgeon aggregations.

Best: June-August

Turkmenbashi

Turkmenistan
expert45% Occasional

A historic fishing hub on Turkmenistan's Caspian shoreline, offering deep‑water drift fishing for Persian sturgeon.

Best: May-July

Astara

Iran
intermediate55% Common

Border town with Azerbaijan, famous for its river‑mouth flats where sturgeon feed before moving offshore.

Best: June-September

Sari

Iran
expert40% Occasional

Located on the western Caspian coast, Sari provides access to deep channels favored by larger Persian sturgeon.

Best: May-June

expert35% Occasional

Gateway to the northern Caspian Sea where seasonal migrations bring Persian sturgeon close to the shoreline.

Best: July-September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Persian sturgeon

Recommended Equipment

RodHeavy-duty rod, 7-9 ft, fast action
Line30-80 lb test braided line with 80-100 lb fluorocarbon leader
Lure TypeLarge spoons, spinnerbaits, or soft-plastic swimbaits
TechniqueBottom fishing with heavy sinker, drift or slow retrieve

Best bait: Live or fresh dead shad, herring, or sturgeon roe