The sturgeon spearing season got underway Saturday on the Lake Winnebago system. With one of the largest lake sturgeon populations in North America, the Winnebago System supports an annual spearing season that will run for a maximum of 16 days or until any of the predetermined harvest caps have been met. DNR sturgeon biologist Margaret Stadig told WFDL news the season is usually dictated in part by the water clarity of the Upriver Lakes and Lake Winnebago. There is an average of 13 ft. of water clarity around Lake Winnebago with generally clearer water on the eastern shores as well as farther from shores along the west side of the lake. With better water clarity this year, the DNR expects to see a good harvest, though the warm weather could deteriorate ice conditions which may reduce spearing success. Fewer lake flys and red worms, have been recorded this year which may also impact sturgeon distribution around Lake Winnebago. 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 p.m. on the day it was speared. Any sturgeon harvested must also be registered at a site from where the sturgeon was speared at.
