LAKE WINNEBAGO, WI (WTAQ) – Sturgeon spearing season is right around the corner, and the DNR is getting ready to help spearers navigate the season.
The season officially begins February 12th. But DNR officials like Senior Fisheries Biologist Aaron O’Connell still have some work to do.
“We actually went out last week and did some water clarity readings on Lake Winnebago and found average water clarity of around 10.7 feet, just under 11 feet,” O’Connell told WTAQ News. “We’re kind of anticipating a potentially longer season again on Lake Winnebago because water clarity is below the 12 foot average.”
But that 16-day season can fluctuate in length, and be shortened if the pre-determined harvest caps are reached.
“Those harvest caps are based on sex, so juvenile female, adult female, and male,” O’Connell said.
The DNR will keep track of those caps through their contactless drive-through registration process again this year.
“Basically, we’re going to have the registration stations set up exactly like last year,” O’Connell said. “Successful spearers can stay in their vehicles and DNR staff will weigh and process their fish, and then get them on their way.”
As for the ice conditions out on the lake system, that’s not something the DNR handles or assesses. Another group of enthusiasts handles those recommendations.
“It sounds like things are looking pretty good as far as travel out there right now with the cold temps, so that’s good,” O’Connell said. “Contact the local fishing clubs around the lake prior to going on the ice. They can provide information on ice, where bridges may be, what the ice roads look like, as well as some potential fishing or spearing scouting information.”
You can learn more about the sturgeon spearing season on the DNR’s website.
Check here for updates on ice conditions:
