SPAWNING SEASON 2023

April 17, 2023 – Water temperatures have dropped due to the cold weather, pausing spawning on the Wolf River. No sturgeon have been seen at the De Pere Dam or on the Peshtigo River yet. Spawning may resume later in the week at some locations, so check back frequently for updates.

April 16, 2023 – Due to the cold weather, spawning has cooled. Sturgeon can still be seen on the Wolf River at Bamboo Bend and New London but not at the Shawano Dam or on the Peshtigo River. A few sturgeon have been spotted jumping in the Lower Fox River a couple hundred yards below the De Pere Dam at Voyageur Park. It may be difficult to spot them in shallow water, though. Check back frequently for updates.

April 15, 2023 – Sturgeon are still actively spawning on the Wolf River at Bamboo Bend, New London and Princeton but haven’t started spawning at the Shawano Dam or on the Peshtigo River. A few sturgeon have been spotted splashing a couple hundred yards below the De Pere Dam on the Lower Fox River. The severe temperature drop and rain may affect these sturgeon, so check back frequently for updates.

April 14, 2023 – While no activity has been reported at the De Pere or Shawano dams yet, fish are cruising on the Wolf and Upper Fox rivers. Sturgeon have been seen actively spawning at Bamboo Bend, New London and Princeton. Sturgeon have not begun spawning on the Peshtigo River yet. Check back frequently for updates.

April 12, 2023 – Lake sturgeon have not started spawning on the Wolf, Peshtigo or Lower Fox rivers. Please check back frequently for updates.

April 11, 2023 – The 2023 lake sturgeon spawning season is approaching. Winnebago System fish are getting ready to make their run up the Wolf River to the Shawano Dam. Sturgeon have been seen at Boom Cut waiting to make their way up the Wolf River.

Lake sturgeon spawn at about 53 degrees Fahrenheit. If high water levels are a factor this spring, spawning will likely be delayed. As of today, the water temperature is 51.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

STURGEON SPAWNING

During mid-April to early May, Lake Sturgeon travel upstream to their spawning grounds, giving the public a prime opportunity to see these ancient ones up close.

Sturgeon spawning is dependent on water temperature and flow. During seasons when water flow is high and water temperatures rise slowly, spawning begins when the water temperature reaches 53 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, during seasons of low water flow and more rapid water temperature rise, spawning does not begin until water temperatures reach 58-59 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wolf River cam – underwater [exit DNR]

LAKE STURGEON SPAWNING AND VIEWING LOCATIONS ON THE WOLF RIVER

Maps open to larger images. Sites are listed from North to South.

Shawano Dam in Shawano – Parking is available on the east side of the river at the end of Richmond Street.

Bamboo Bend at Shiocton – on County Highway 54. Parking is available on the north side of County Hwy. 54.

Wolf River Sturgeon Trail (near New London) – about 2 miles west of New London on County Highway X. Parking is available on the south side of the river about 1/2 mile from the spawning site

LAKE STURGEON SPAWNING AND VIEWING LOCATION ON THE LOWER FOX RIVER IN DEPERE

Spectators can view spawning sturgeon from the walkway immediately downstream of the DePere Dam at Voyagers Park. The DePere Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier extends out into the river that provides a better view of the spawning fish. The City of DePere website includes details and directions: The Riverwalk Experience, DePere WI (exit DNR).

LAKE STURGEON SPAWNING AND VIEWING LOCATION ON THE LOWER PESHTIGO RIVER IN PESHTIGO

Spectators can view spawning sturgeon immediately downstream of the Peshtigo Dam in Peshtigo. The Peshtigo River also has large runs of walleye and suckers that can also be seen from the fish viewing platform that extends out over the river. and Wildlife Viewing Pier extends out into the river that provides a better view of the spawning fish. Directions to the Peshtigo Fish Viewing Platform and parking information (exit DNR).