The sturgeon spawning season in the Peshtigo River, Lower Fox River, and Wolf River has come to an end for 2023.
Cold water temperatures in the Peshtigo River led to a longer pre-spawn than normal this year and spawning occurring between May 6th and May 19th.
High water levels made it difficult to determine the number of sturgeon below the Peshtigo Dam this spring.
The Lower Fox River saw spawning between May 8th and May 12th, at its peak, hundreds of sturgeon were visible below the De Pere Dam at one time.
The Wolf River experienced warmer temperatures in mid-April and higher water levels causing a portion of lake sturgeon to spawn between April 14th and April 21st.
At this time, the DNR was able to handle 230 lake sturgeon throughout the system.
Cold weather in late April caused water temperatures to drop and caused spawning to come to a halt.
As the weather began to return to normal, large numbers of lake sturgeon began spawning.
During this second spawn, almost 600 fish were handled.
Of the 115 females handled, the average measured 66.3 inches.
There were 715 males handled that averaged 58 inches.
Though weather conditions called for an interesting spring, the DNR was able to get the information they need.
For more information on the spring spawn, visit the Winnebago system sturgeon spawning page.
