Lake Of The Ozarks Angler Catches Rare Lake Sturgeon (For The SECOND Time!)

An angler on the Lake of the Ozarks accidentally landed a rare lake sturgeon while snagging for paddlefish. Incredibly, it’s not the first time he’s caught one. 

Lake sturgeon, although common in other parts of North America, are endangered in Missouri and only 6 have been reported from the Lake of the Ozarks since 2016. Two of those were caught by angler Troy Staggs.

Staggs landed the sturgeon on accident. He was snagging for paddlefish when the line wrapped around the sturgeon's tail. This fish was 56-inches long and weighed 50-55 pounds; the Missouri Department of Conservation estimates it was around 30-years-old. It took Staggs 47 minutes to pull the fish up onto the boat and after taking a few pictures of the rare creature, he returned it back into the Lake. 

Lake sturgeon can live for up to 100 years and are the second largest fish in Missouri. They are also a protected species in the state and any lake sturgeon caught should be released immediately after capture. If you see or catch a lake sturgeon, call the lake sturgeon rescue line at 573-248-2530.