The sturgeon spearing season on the Winnebago System is less than a week away, beginning on February 13. Conditions for the upcoming season are favorable with relatively clear water for the first time since the 2015 season. Based on the favorable water clarity, the DNR is anticipating a busier season and requests that spearers avoid the end of the day rush at registration stations by bringing their fish in to be registered early.

As you get ready, make sure to keep the following regulation changes in mind:

  • Spear head width is restricted to 18 inches or less, and tines can only be arranged in a single, straight line.
  • Registration stations have been relocated to parking lots at boat landings, city parks and government buildings. We plan to return to previous registration locations once it is safe to do so.
  • To help keep spearers and staff safe, stations will operate as drive-thru only. Spearers must remain in their vehicle throughout the registration process.

For registration station locations and more information about the 2021 sturgeon spearing season, visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/sturgeon/WinnSysSturgeonSpear.html