A Letter to Winnebago Sturgeon Spearers from the Wisconsin DNR
2012 Spearing Season Status
Dear Winnebago Sturgeon Spearers,
The cold weather seems to be back and so are some renewed hopes that ice conditions may improve sufficiently to allow greater access for sturgeon spearers to more of the Winnebago Lakes this coming Saturday, opening day of the 2012 season. The lakes, as always though are still dangerous in many areas for ice travel. I will repeat my ice travel mantra: Don't rely on anyone else's ice reports - know for yourself how good the ice is where you plan to travel. Reports I have been getting in from around the lakes indicate most spearers plan to use four-wheelers to get out there this weekend. I also hear that the water seems to be clearing a bit along the east shore with visibilities now up to 11.5 feet there in some areas. Still a little cloudier along the west shore (8.5') and still clear in the Upriver Lakes.
There have been rumors and tavern talk circulating around about whether the season will go on because of the less than optimal ice conditions. Below is an answer I recently sent to a person asking about the status of the season:
"In response to your question about whether the DNR would close the upcoming sturgeon spearing season due to poor ice conditions - we (DNR), working with the public, Natural Resources Board, and the legislature set the seasons for fishing and hunting . The anglers, spearers, and hunters who participate in these seasons are responsible for their own actions in the pursuit of their sport. Sportsmen and women make their own decisions, and may elect not to go out on the lakes to fish during thunderstorms, to hunt during ice storms, nor to spear or ice-fish on marginal or dangerous ice."
The bottom line is - the season is set and goes on. Make sure you use good judgment when going out there.
Other Spearing Season Info Links
You can find more Winnebago sturgeon and sturgeon spearing information at the following links:
New links and stories are placed in the DNR sturgeon web page almost every day - check them out. Also - I will be sending out my daily reports to you once the season begins. So - that's it for now. Be safe out there.
Ronald M. Bruch, PhD
Wisconsin Sturgeon Hot-Line: (920) 303-5444
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