SHIOCTON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Wolf River in Shiocton is primed for the return of a springtime ritual.
The annual sturgeon spawning run will soon be underway, and The Department of Natural Resources is asking for help to protect the prehistoric fish.
Dozens and and dozens of spawning sturgeon, will soon be splashing, and thrashing on the rocky Wolf River shoreline at places like the Surgeon Trail near New London and Bamboo Bend in Shiocton.
Ben Treml, DNR Regional Conservation Warden, tells WLUK..
“With the weather warming up, and the high waters, we should have sturgeon spawning, in the next couple weeks”
Treml says spawning sturgeon are not paying much attention to people on shore, and could be vulnerable to poachers.
“What we’ve seen is people come by shore, and take them. But this has been an ongoing issue for many years. They’ve been taken by boat, by traps, by a lot of different ways”
So, the DNR is calling for help.
The sturgeon guard is set up to protect the fish. Volunteers monitor spawning activity from shore, mainly in remote areas along the Wolf River.
“All the way from the Shawano Dam further past New London. So it’s quite a long stretch”
Treml says volunteers work 12-hour shifts.
“It’s from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. We provide a breakfast, and a supper. And also have a packed lunch” Treml says it’s a great opportunity to bring out the family, bring out the kids.
“They can see the fish, and often get spashed by the fish. It’s a unique experience and something we want the public to be involved with”
The DNR is looking for about 100 volunteers this season.


