The opening day of the sturgeon spearing season on Saturday proved to be an exciting and successful event for many anglers on Lake Winnebago and the upriver lakes. A total of 169 sturgeon were speared across the two locations, marking a strong start to this year’s season. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provided a detailed breakdown of the day’s harvest, offering insights into the numbers and categories of sturgeon caught. On Lake Winnebago, 82 sturgeon were speared, including 10 juvenile females, 44 adult females, and 28 males. Meanwhile, on the upriver lakes, 87 sturgeon were harvested, with 9 being juvenile females, 13 adult females, and 65 males. These numbers are well within the established harvest caps, ensuring the sustainability of this ancient species.
The DNR has set specific harvest caps for this year’s sturgeon spearing season to manage the population effectively. For Lake Winnebago, the caps are 280 juvenile females, 717 adult females, and 1,002 males. After Saturday’s harvest, the remaining numbers until the 90% trigger are 242 juvenile females, 601 adult females, and 874 males. On the upriver lakes, the harvest caps are 70 juvenile females, 80 adult females, and 250 males. With Saturday’s harvest, the remaining sturgeon until the 90% trigger are 54 juvenile females, 59 adult females, and 160 males. These limits are carefully calculated to ensure the long-term health of the sturgeon population, balancing the excitement of the season with conservation efforts.
The sturgeon spearing tradition is not just about the numbers; it’s also about community and heritage. Many anglers gather at registration stations to share stories and celebrate their successes. On Lake Winnebago, the Downtown Oshkosh and Neenah registration stations were bustling with activity, recording 21 and 25 sturgeon, respectively. These stations serve as hubs where anglers can register their catches, learn about the latest updates, and connect with fellow spearers. The DNR’s efforts to maintain these stations highlight their commitment to both conservation and community engagement.
On the upriver lakes, the Poygan registration station stood out as the busiest, with 53 sturgeon registered there on opening day. This station has become a key location for anglers in the area, offering a convenient and organized way to document their catches. The DNR’s presence at these stations ensures that the harvest remains sustainable and that anglers comply with all regulations. The enthusiasm at Poygan and other stations reflects the passion and dedication of those who participate in this unique and storied tradition.
For those who braved the cold and made it out to the lakes on opening day, the DNR encourages sharing photos of their sturgeon spearing adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned spearer or a first-timer, your stories and images help capture the spirit of this special event. By sharing your experiences, you contribute to the broader narrative of sturgeon spearing in Wisconsin, preserving its history for future generations. Safety is always a priority, so be sure to share your photos responsibly and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being part of this time-honored tradition.
In conclusion, the opening day of the sturgeon spearing season was a resounding success, with anglers across Lake Winnebago and the upriver lakes enjoying a fruitful and memorable experience. The DNR’s careful management of harvest caps and registration processes ensures that this tradition continues in a sustainable way, preserving the Lake Winnebago sturgeon population for years to come. Whether you’re out on the ice, sharing your stories, or simply following along, sturgeon spearing season is a celebration of nature, community, and heritage that brings people together in a shared love for this incredible resource.
