Wisconsin DNR releases sturgeon spearing harvest caps for 2026

The 2026 sturgeon spearing season is almost here! Make sure you are up to date on all the regulations before taking to the ice. 

This year’s season will open on Feb. 14, running until any of the harvest caps are met or for 16 days, whichever comes first. This year’s harvest caps are:  

Waterbody	Juvenile Female Sturgeon Harvest Cap	Adult Female Sturgeon Harvest Cap	Male Sturgeon Harvest Cap
Lake Winnebago	280	659	981
Upriver Lakes	70	73	245
Winnebago System	350	732	1,226

Daily harvest reports can be found on the DNR’s Sturgeon Spearing webpage throughout the season. A season forecast will be posted to the spearing webpage as the season approaches.  

Additionally, the 2025 lake sturgeon population report is now available for review.