Oshkosh, WI (WTAQ) – Sturgeon spearing season begins Saturday on the Lake Winnebago system….and it’s kind of a good news-bad news situation.
DNR sturgeon biologist Ryan Koenigs says water visibility is the key. It’s been very good the past two years, 14 to 15 feet. This year indications are visibility might be half that….
“if those conditions prevail, spearers will have a harder time getting fish this year than the last couple”
But that hasn’t stopped people from plunking down their money and buying a license.
“sold over 13,000 licenses this year for Lake Winnebago…and that’s the largest number we’ve ever sold”
The number pencils out to a 4.1 percent increase over the previous record, set in 2015.
“the increased popularity is likely due to the overall success and publicity of the 2014 and 2015 seasons”
The cost for a license for in-state residents is $20, and for nonresidents the cost is $65.
The sturgeon spearing license and tag must be carried by the licensee at all times while fishing for sturgeon with a spear. You have be 12 years of age or older to get a license.
The season could go as long as February 28th, depending on how successful the spearing is.
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