Lake Winnebago ice thickness rebounds with recent deep freeze

With the recent deep freeze, area fishing clubs are reporting decent ice conditions on Lake Winnebago, now just over two weeks before Sturgeon Spearing Season starts on February 14th.

The West Shore Fishing Club, based out of Van Dyne measured multiple locations Sunday, January 25, 2026, with all ice thickness measurements being between 15 and 18 inches. This is up from measurements the Friendship Fishing Club found Friday the 16th when they measured six to 12 inches in the relatively same area of the lake.

According to a guide found online, 18 inches is considered acceptable to drive a medium sized pick-up truck on.

This is good news as the last couple sturgeon spearing seasons have had thinner ice, limiting spearers to the vehicles and equipment that could be used .

Ice is expected to get even thicker as the temperature over the next two weeks stays at or below the freezing mark.