WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – For many fishing enthusiasts, opening weekend feels like a holiday.
Sturgeon spearers are making final preparations before heading onto the ice Saturday, but conditions beneath the surface are changing.
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“Water clarity is a big thing. It generally is the biggest predictor of harvest here on the ice,” said Wisconsin DNR Lake Winnebago specialist Margaret Stadig. “Better water clarity usually means more harvest. When we were seeing extremely good water clarity ahead of the season, we were expecting a really good year. Now, as water clarity starts to dissipate, we are seeing more cloudiness and pockets around Lake Winnebago. That makes it harder for spearers to see sturgeon on the bottom.”
Stadig said local fishing and spearing groups are also closely monitoring ice conditions across Wisconsin lakes.
Many expect the top layer of ice to begin softening heading into the weekend.
“Anytime you are going out, as much as we like the ice to hold, check with local spearing and fishing clubs,” Stadig said. “They are the ones monitoring where access is good and putting out those ice roads. Make sure you follow the clubs’ guidance when using them.”
Harvest caps are in place for the season, though officials did not specify updated numbers during the meeting.
Stadig said spearers play a key role in maintaining a healthy sturgeon population.
“They’re going to go out and do whatever they can to make sure they are safely spearing sturgeon,” Stadig said. “They are also incredibly dedicated to working with us throughout the year to ensure this population remains healthy so the spearing season can continue in perpetuity. That is something I truly admire about spearers in this area.”
For those fortunate enough to harvest a sturgeon, Stadig reminded spearers of the proper registration procedures.
“Once you get that fish in, you have to validate your tag,” Stadig said. “You cannot wait until the registration station. It has to be done immediately after the fish is harvested.”
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Thousands of spearers are expected to take to the ice, regardless of temperatures, all hoping for a memorable season.
The sturgeon spearing season begins Saturday, Feb. 14, and runs for up to 16 days, or until harvest caps are reached for the designated categories.
