LAKE WINNEBAGO, WI (WTAQ) – Eyes are on Lake Winnebago ice as Sturgeon Spearing is less than a month away.
“It is in state statutes that the season will be open starting the second Saturday in February through a maximum of 16 days or until preset harvest caps are reached.”
While December and January traditionally are cold enough to make ice for Sturgeon Spearing, this year’s warmer temperatures are similar to what we had three years ago, according to Ryan Koenigs, DNR Fisheries Biologist.
“We didn’t have very good ice cover in January and then we were fortunate to have a cold snap in late January, early February.”
He says he is hoping for the same this year, as Sturgeon Spearers will be on the ice in a month.
He says they never cancel the season, and they won’t miss out on license money this year since all licenses had to be purchased months ago, but he says a lower number of participants is possible.
“Reduction in participation if anything would have an impact on things, like maybe the season goes a little longer because it takes a little longer to reach those harvest caps if they are reached.
He says the fewer participants affects the social aspect and could affect participation in future years.
“What constitutes safe ice conditions is really up to the discretion of the person going out onto the ice.”
He says he expects people to brave conditions even if it does stay warm because the opportunity is so rare and unique.
“There are only two locations where you can go out and harvest the lake sturgeon on the ice through spearing. It really is the social aspect associated with the sport that keeps people coming back year after year.”
He says the fewer participants this year could affect license sales and the social aspect in future years.
“There will be a season in 2019 regardless if we have much ice or not.”
