Reminder: August 1 application deadline for Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spear Fishery
Contact(s): Ryan Koenigs, DNR Winnebago System sturgeon biologist, 920-303-5450
OSHKOSH, Wis. -- Sturgeon spearers have until Aug. 1 to apply for a 2020 Upriver Lakes sturgeon spearing license or purchase a preference point to be used in future drawings.
Jonathan Eiden of Appleton harvested the largest fish of the 2019 sturgeon spearing season on the Winnebago System. The fish was registered at Wendt's on the Lake on February 9 and measured 85.5 inches and weighed 171 pounds.Photo credit: DNR
Participation in the February 2020 Upriver Lakes sturgeon spearing season on lakes Butte des Morts, Winneconne and Poygan is controlled through a preference point system where applicants possessing the most preference points are given priority in the drawing. All applicants are notified by Oct. 1 of whether they were drawn for a license and authorized to purchase a license for the 2020 Upriver Lakes season.
All applicants not drawn for an Upriver Lakes license, or those who purchase a preference point only, can still purchase a spearing license for Lake Winnebago before the Oct. 31, 2019 deadline. Spearers can only buy a license for either Lake Winnebago or the Upriver Lakes, not both.
Groups of up to four may apply together by designating a group leader and using his/her Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources customer ID on all applications. Each group will carry the preference points of the group member with the fewest points.
Spearers can apply for the license drawing or purchase a preference point through the DNR Go Wild online license sales or at license agents or DNR Service Centers.