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Sturgeon patterns can change rapidly. Though they may be at one location in the morning, they may not be that evening.
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As a result of the high water this spring, monitoring the progress of the sturgeon spawn continues to be a challenge. We will continue to monitor and send updates when conditions change.
As of April 23, 2026, here is what has been reported on the Fox, Wolf and Peshtigo rivers:
Princeton Dam, Upper Fox River: No sturgeon can be seen.
Sturgeon Trail, New London, Wolf River: No sturgeon can be seen.
Bamboo Bend, Shiocton, Wolf River: No sturgeon can be seen.
Shawano Dam, Wolf River: Spawning activity has decreased, and only a few sturgeon can be seen.
De Pere Dam, Lower Fox River: Sturgeon have been observed in shallow water along the shoreline near the wildlife viewing platform, though the poor water clarity makes it difficult to see them. No spawning activity has been reported yet.
Peshtigo Dam, Peshtigo River: Some sturgeon can be observed in the high water below the dam at Peshtigo. |
Sturgeon patterns can change rapidly. Though they may be at one location in the morning, they may not be that evening. As a result, if you’d like to see them at a certain location, make sure you get out and see them soon.
Updates will be made on our Sturgeon Spawning webpage as changes occur.
What To Do If You See A Stranded Sturgeon
High water levels are still causing areas outside of the river to flood, allowing some sturgeon to utilize passages that are usually unavailable. Many of the culverts are still accessible during this high water. The Winnebago Sturgeon Team is aware that there are sturgeon in new locations along the Wolf River and other areas of the Wolf River drainage due to these high waters. The DNR has and will continue to respond to reports of sturgeon.
To reduce the stress on fish and decrease the chance that they swim up to the shallow area again, we ask that people leave these fish alone. As waters recede, fish will return to their normal areas.
If you witness stranded sturgeon, please contact Margaret Stadig at Margaret.Stadig@wisconsin.gov or 920-410-8670. |
