FOND DU LAC COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – When more than 13,000 license holders take to the Lake Winnebago System for the upcoming season, those who spear a fish will find registration stations may have a familiar location.
From shiny metal runners to a brand new wooden table, West Shore Fishing Club Treasurer Shawn Wendt says the traditional sturgeon registration station at Wendt’s on the Lake bar and restaurant is right where it belongs.
“We were pretty excited when they told us they were bringing it back. Even at our banquet this year, they brought it up, and everybody clapped and cheered,” said Wendt.
Wendt says the Department of Natural Resources dropped off the shack on Saturday. The DNR says successful spearers will be able to register their prehistoric fish at 10 different locations around the Lake Winnebago System. DNR officials say the move comes after two seasons of drive through stations and pandemic precautions.
“The COVID restrictions have been lifted. So, for those who just enjoy coming out to the registration shacks to see the fish and celebrate with the spearers, please do that. Come out, bring the family. Enjoy. Celebrate with us. Talk to our biologists and our technicians. We’re so excited to be back and see everyone again,” said Margaret Stadig, DNR Sturgeon Biologist.
Stadig says half of the locations will still offer a drive through registration option.
“We did get some good feedback that some people did enjoy being able to drive up their fish. That way they’re not dragging 100-pound fish across parking lots.”
At Wendt’s on the Lake, preparations continue for the upcoming season and a return to tradition.
“It will be nice to see people gathering here, down here when the sturgeon come in. I mean, people sit in the restaurant and look out and watch. And they see a fish come in, and they all run down here right away and watch it being weighed in,” said Wendt.
DNR officials say depending on spearer success rates and possible weather conditions, some registration stations may close early as the season moves along.
The season opens on Saturday, and will run for a maximum of 16 days or until any of the predetermined harvest caps have been met.
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