A yearly tradition for anglers in the region is set to kick off this weekend.
The 2025 sturgeon spearing season is set to begin tomorrow (February 8th) at 7:00 a.m. in the Winnebago water system. The season will close on February 23rd or until any of the predetermined harvest caps have been met.
This year, the caps for Lake Winnebago have been set at 280 juvenile females, 717 adult females, and 1,002 male sturgeons.
If any harvest cap is met, a closure notice will be posted to the Department of Natural Resources’ Winnebago System Sturgeon Spearing webpage.
The quality of the sturgeon season is often determined by water clarity on Lake Winnebago, and this year’s assessment by the DNR is indicating that poor water clarity could mean a long spearing season is on the horizon.
Ice quality is also proving to be an issue for anglers this year and law enforcement agencies surrounding Lake Winnebago are urging spearers to stay up to date with local fishing clubs who provide continuous updates on the lake’s ice conditions.
