DNR looks over ice on Winnebago days before sturgeon spearing season starts

Just days ahead of the start of sturgeon spearing season, the DNR was out looking at ice conditions on Lake Winnebago as well as the access points to the lake. They were trying to get an idea of where the ice may be too dangerous to go out on, in the event they are called to rescue fisherman that might need rescuing in the upcoming days of the spearing season.

Despite almost two weeks of warnings that the ice will be much more dangerous to go out on this year due to warmer than normal conditions, the DNR expects some sturgeon spearers to still attempt to take their chances and get out on the ice.

As much as nine inches of ice was found in areas, but it’s not the type of ice one would expect to see in early February. The ice is what ice fishermen are calling honeycombed ice, which is much softer than normal ice.

The DNR says they’re also sharing their results with other emergency responders such as area fire departments and law enforcement.

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department is being proactive and will have extra staff working during the first few days of sturgeon spearing season. They will also have their dive team and air boat operator on duty.