A sturgeon (file photo)
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — With conditions on the ice considered by many to be much better than last year, hopes are high leading into the upcoming sturgeon spearing season, but below the frozen surface, water clarity in Lake Winnebago might tell a different tale.
“As of right now, this opening weekend, pack your patience. It’s going to be a little rough,” said Margaret Stadig, DNR Sturgeon Biologist.
Department of Natural Resources crews recently tested 10 sites around Lake Winnebago.
“Unfortunately this year, we’re not seeing really good clarity. We saw about an average of 5.3 feet. In some areas, you can get better, about eight feet. Some areas, you can get worse,” said Stadig.
Margaret Stadig says lack of snow cover on Lake Winnebago may be the main reason.
“Because there is nothing blocking the sunlight from penetrating the ice, all of that sunlight is getting into the water column, and the algae in there, is just going crazy and nuts, because they have all the sunshine they don’t usually have. So it’s just causing this algae to kind of just bloom almost out of control this year, which is affecting the clarity,” she said.
Sturgeon spearers say they typically need about 12 feet of clear water to be successful.
“And so the fact that we’re averaging about five feet coming into the season, it’s not looking good,” said Stadig.
She says there may be some hope.
“As the season will go, water clarity can adjust pretty quickly on Lake Winnebago. So if we get some good conditions, like some snow, or whatever, that clarity can turn around and it can adjust,” said Stadig.
In the meantime,
“There are pockets of clarity out there. So just take some time, find a spot,” said Stadig.
“If you can see eight feet down or more, stay there, and hopefully you’ll see something,” she said.
The season begins on Saturday at 7 a.m., and is scheduled to run 16 days, or until the safe harvest caps are met.
Experts remind everyone the ice is never considered to be 100 percent safe.
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