WINNEBAGO CO., WI (WTAQ) – People who hit Lake Winnebago for this year’s sturgeon spearing season will see multiple changes.
In past years, spearers needed to tag the sturgeon upon harvest and leave the tag on until the fish was brought to a registration station.
While carcass tags still need immediate validation for the season that starts Saturday, the tag does not need to be attached to the sturgeon unless the spearer leaves the fish unattended.
The DNR is also asking spearers to donate the heads of their sturgeons. Officials say they need sturgeon earbones for a comprehensive aging study that looks at different methods of determining the age and growth of the fish.
DNR Biologist Ryan Koenigs says conditions to start this year’s season are not ideal.
When measured Wednesday, Lake Winnebago’s water clarity ranged from four to 12 feet with an average of 9 ½ feet. Koenigs says an average clarity of 12 feet or greater typically makes for a better harvest.
He says this year’s numbers are similar to last season, which ended with a reduced harvest of 400 fish from 2015.
Before hitting the waters, spearers are encouraged to contact their local conservation group to learn more about ice conditions.
Nearly 13,000 licenses were issued this season, down roughly 600 from last year’s total. While the adult and juvenile female caps stayed level at 950 and 430, respectively, the male quota dropped slightly to 1,175.
Koenigs does not expect that will make a difference as it is typically the adult female cap that effects whether the season closes before the full 16 days are complete.
