2017 Winnebago System Lake Sturgeon Spearing Season Synopsis
Winnebago System Sturgeon Spearing Enthusiasts:
The 2018 sturgeon spearing season on the Winnebago System is only a little over a week away. In fact, by this time next week many spearers will already be cut in. I've heard many reports from spearers out scouting that the water clarity on Lake Winnebago is poor, but that clarity is pretty good on the Upriver Lakes. We plan to check clarity again early next week and i will be sure to send out a report once the data become available.
I have included in this email a summary report from the 2017 sturgeon spear fishery. The season will mostly be remembered for two things: 1) unseasonably warm weather that quickly deteriorated ice conditions and 2) harvest of a number of large fish including 2 fish over 150 pounds and 9 fish over 140 pounds. I hope you enjoy the report.
There are many folks waiting in anticipation for another season to get underway. I am looking forward to hearing stories from successful spearers and continuing the rich tradition of sturgeon spearing. Good luck everyone!
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Ryan Koenigs
Senior Fisheries Biologist / Winnebago System Sturgeon Biologist
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Phone: (920)303-5450
Fax: (920)424-4404