Sturgeon spawning run update - Saturday April, 16
Winnebago System Fisheries Enthusiasts:
It's mid-April meaning that many people's attention is starting to shift
towards the lake sturgeon spawning run on the Winnebago System, particularly
the Wolf River. The above average temperatures the last few days have also
spurred a lot of interest and questions regarding when the fish will be
spawning. Lake Sturgeon typically start spawning when water temperatures
are in the low to mid-50s. As of noon today (Saturday) the water
temperature on the upper Fox River is 54 degrees and the temperature on the
Wolf River is 51. Despite the water temperatures, I have not heard any
confirmed reports of sturgeon spawning on the Winnebago System. Water
temperatures have been cooler than average for the most part this spring,
and I anticipate that fish are going to need a bit warmer water temperatures
to start spawning for that very reason. These fish have made liars out of
fisheries biologists trying to predict when spawning will occur for decades,
but I will make a prediction here. I anticipate that we will start to see
spawning lake sturgeon on the upper Fox River within the next 24 hours
(either Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning). Spawning on the Wolf River
usually starts 1-2 days after the upper Fox, meaning that I predict sturgeon
will start spawning on the Wolf River either Sunday afternoon or Monday.
The forecast includes an extended period of warmer weather, which leads me
to believe that this year's spawning run will be very short. Last year's
run was very similar only really lasting 4-5 days. So I recommend making
plans to see fish spawn shortly after you hear of any activity, because the
fish may only be at a site for as short as 1 day. My crew and I are out
scouting the upper Fox River today and will keep our fingers on the pulse of
this year's spawning run. I also will begin sending out periodic updates as
the spawning run progresses.
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Ryan Koenigs
Senior Fisheries Biologist / Winnebago System Sturgeon Biologist
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
625 E County Rd. Y, Suite 700
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Phone: (920)303-5450
Fax: (920)424-4404
Ryan.koenigs@wisconsin.gov