Sturgeon Spearing tags need to be purchased by October 31

While some people may still have a bad taste in their mouth from last winters sturgeon spearing season… or lack of it, The Wisconsin DNR is reminding spearers who are interested in taking part in the 2025 Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season that they need to buy their license by October 31.

There are an unlimited number of licenses available for Lake Winnebago, but the season will end once pre determined cap numbers have been reached.

The Upriver Lakes of Poygan, Butte des Morts, and Winneconne are run a bit different. there, it’s managed by a preference point system and lottery that is limited to 500 spearers. Those that applied for the lottery have already been notified if they were picked, and have until the start of the spearing season to purchase a license. Those that secure a tag for upriver lakes are not allowed to purchase a tag for Lake Winnebago.

Last year’s season was hampered by warm weather that kept a lot of people off the ice, and even cut the season short as the ice started melting near the shores.

Once you buy a tag, you will not be reimbursed if conditions keep the season from going forward.

The 2025 sturgeon spearing season opens on Feb. 8, 2025, and will run for a maximum of 16 days or until any of the predetermined harvest caps are met.