OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – We’re nearing the end of the 2016 sturgeon spearing season on the upriver lakes after Wednesday’s events.
According to the Wisconsin DNR, 8 adult females were speared on lakes Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts Wednesday. That makes 85 adults females for the season. Officials say if one more is speared, the season would end on those lakes at the end of the following day. If 10 adult females are taken, the season would end the same day.
Overall, 26 sturgeon were speared on the upriver lakes Wednesday.
A total of 27 fish were speared Wednesday on Lake Winnebago. Officials say that’s a jump from the 11 speared on Tuesday.
DNR sturgeon biologist Ryan Koenigs says he’s unsure what caused the increase, but possible factors include the fish moving more, clearer water on a sunny day or more spearers out on the ice.
In all, 484 sturgeon have been speared across the Lake Winnebago system. The season will run until February 28, unless cap triggers are met.
You can join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
