Deadline For Buying Sturgeon Spearing License October 31

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding those interested in sturgeon spearing that they have until Oct. 31, to purchase a license for the 2023 Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season.

The season opens Feb. 11, for Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Lakes of Butte des Morts, Winneconne and Poygan.

The season will run for a maximum of 16 days or until any of the pre-determined harvest caps are reached.

While there are unlimited licenses available for Lake Winnebago, the Upriver Lakes fishery is managed by a preference point system and limited to 500 permitted spearers.

Applicants already authorized for an Upriver Lakes tag for 2023 have until the start of the spearing season to purchase a license but cannot purchase one for
Lake Winnebago.

You can purchase a license in Fond du Lac at Fleet Farm, Walmart, Dutch’s Trading Post, River Haus Bait And Tackle and the Fond du Lac County Clerks office in the City County Building.