Winnebago System 2012 Sturgeon Spawning Season Summary and Walleye Report
Dear Winnebago Sturgeon and Walleye Enthusiasts:
Well our crew has rested up after a long spring, and we were able to use the last few weeks to enter and summarize the data that we were able to collect this spring during our sturgeon spawning assessments. It was a very productive year that was highlighted by a record fish and sturgeon spawning at Keshena Falls for the first time in over 100 years (read more in the summary below). All together we were able to handle and release 1,762 sturgeon, 236 of which were females (the most females that we have ever handled in one year during spring tagging).
I would also like to report that the minimum sturgeon spearing age has been changed from age 14 to age 12. This change was part of the Outdoor Heritage Bill that was recently signed into law. This change has already been taking into account at license sales locations, meaning that 12 and 13 year olds can now purchase sturgeon tags. Sturgeon spearing is a unique pass time and culture that is truly unique to this area, and I hope that we can involve more youth into the sport and keep this tradition going for generations to come.
Up to Date Walleye Report:
The walleye bite has been exceptional thus far this year. Anglers did real well targeting pre-spawn walleye on the upper Fox and Wolf Rivers during the month of March, and the post-spawn bite has been just as productive. Angler tag return data from harvested fish indicate that nice walleye are being harvested throughout the Winnebago System, as far up the Wolf River as Shiocton all the way down to Lake Winnebago. The fishing has been so productive that Ron Bruch and I were able to sneak away for a few hours yesterday afternoon and catch 9 walleye. Most of the fish being caught this year are of nice size (16-20") and are representatives of the very abundant 2008 year class. This year class supported the majority of the fishery last year and is the second largest year class of walleye documented on the Winnebago System dating back to 1986.
Until my next report, tight lines and good luck fishing!
Click Here to see Lake Sturgeon Spawning Assessment 2012 Winnebago System PDF