With sturgeon spearing opening this weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds fishers that only so many sturgeons can be caught.
This year, the DNR says on Lake Winnebago in Winnebago County, the limit for the lake and upriver lakes is 350 juvenile females, 805 adult females, and 1,242 males.
Under current state law, sturgeon spearing season opens the second Saturday in February, regardless of weather conditions.
The sturgeon spearing season length is also usually dictated in part by water clarity and ice conditions on the Upriver Lakes and Lake Winnebago.
This year, biologists haven’t been able to conduct water clarity assessments due to rapidly changing weather and ice conditions.
Spearers and spectators are also reminded no ice is 100% safe.
The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, so check with local fishing clubs and conservation groups for local ice conditions.
Keep in mind that ice conditions can change throughout the season.
The DNR reminds spearers that once they have successfully speared a sturgeon, the tag must be validated by tearing off the bottom portion.
The sturgeon must then be brought to an official registration station and registered by 2:00 p.m. on the day it was speared.
More information about sturgeon spearing can be found on the Wisconsin DNR’ s website.
