Excitement Builds as Start of Sturgeon Spearing Season Draws Closer

Photo from the 2019 spearing season, courtesy of the Wisconsin DNR

The start of the 2020 Sturgeon Spearing season on Lake
Winnebago is growing closer, and the anticipation continues to build for those
who want to get out onto the ice and try to fulfill their tag. The Wisconsin
DNR reports that interest in sturgeon spearing continues to be strong, with over
12,700 licenses sold for the 2020 season. Officials say licenses were purchased
by residents of all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, as well as 34 states.

The DNR says in a news release that this season will likely
open with “less than ideal” water clarity, as a mild winter has created
variable ice conditions throughout Lake Winnebago. Officials say water clarity
as of this week is relatively poor on both Lake Winnebago and the Upriver
Lakes. 

The spearing season begins next Saturday, February 8^th
and runs from 7 am until 1 pm daily. Spearers are required to present their
sturgeon at a DNR registration station by 2 pm the same day the fish is
harvested. Harvest caps for the 2020 season are set at 430 juvenile females,
950 adult females and 1,200 males.