OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The sturgeon spearing season could last a little longer than expected on lakes Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts after a slow day of spearing Monday.
The state Department of Natural Resources says only 19 fish were registered on those three lakes, bringing the season total to 201.
With six adult females speared Monday, the season is 25 away from the 90 percent trigger that would close the season the following day, and 34 away from the harvest cap that would close the season immediately.
Meanwhile, on Lake Winnebago, 23 sturgeon were registered Monday, bringing the season total to 176.
On all lakes, four sturgeon weighed in at more than 100 pounds.
The largest of the day was a 126.2-pound, 79.2-inch fish taken by Matt Leitner of Chilton, who registered the fish at Stockbridge Harbor.
DNR sturgeon biologist Ryan Koenigs says many spearers have pulled their shanties off the ice in anticipation of today’s winter storm.
The registration station at Quinney will also be closed today.
Spearers who take fish in that area of Lake Winnebago can register at Stockbridge Harbor or Jim and Linda’s in Pipe.
