Fishing Sturgeon Spearing

ATTENTION WINNEBAGO SYSTEM STURGEON SPEARING ENTHUSIASTS

By RVL / January 13, 2021

 

 

ATTENTION WINNEBAGO SYSTEM STURGEON SPEARING ENTHUSIASTS

Evan and Lucas Muche with sturgeon harvested in February 2020. Credit: Muche Family

The 2021 sturgeon spearing season on the Winnebago system opens on Feb. 13 and will run for a maximum of 16 days or until any of the harvest caps are met. As anticipation for the season mounts, spearers need to be aware of important changes for the 2021 season:

  • Registration stations will be relocated to boat landings, city parks and government buildings.
  • Stations will be operated as a drive-thru only. Spearers are required to remain in their vehicle throughout the registration process.
  • A spear head’s width is restricted to 18 inches or less, and tines can only be arranged in a single, straight line.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources remains committed to returning registration station locations to businesses for future seasons, following the COVID-19 public health emergency.

More information about the registration process, including specific station locations for the 2021 season, is available in the 2021 sturgeon spearing regulation pamphlet.

 

 

Season Photos Needed

The DNR is looking for spearers to submit photos that help tell a story through a photo submission form.

Photos could be of spearers with their catch, cutting in, shanty life, scenic views observed during the season or anything else that captures the spearing tradition.

Please make sure the photos are age appropriate. Select photos will be used for future DNR outreach efforts.

 

Ryan Koenigs
Senior Fisheries Biologist / Winnebago System Sturgeon Biologist
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
625 E County Rd. Y, Suite 700
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Phone: (920)420-7444
Ryan.Koenigs@wisconsin.gov
          

 
 

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