When Lake Winnebago's sturgeon spearing season runs

Lake Winnebago's sturgeon spearing season typically opens in early February and runs for about six weeks, though the exact dates shift each year based on ice conditions and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources decisions. The 2024 season opened February 3 and ran through March 17. The DNR sets the opening date when the ice reaches safe thickness — usually at least 12 inches — and closes the season when the ice begins to break up or when the harvest quota is met, whichever comes first.

You can find the current year's exact opening and closing dates on the Wisconsin DNR website under their sturgeon spearing information page. The season operates only on Lake Winnebago and its connected waters (the Menominee River, Fox River, and Wolf River up to specific points). No sturgeon spearing is allowed on any other Wisconsin water body.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Winnebago's sturgeon spearing season runs for about six weeks starting in early February, with exact dates set by the Wisconsin DNR based on ice safety.
  • You must hold a valid Wisconsin fishing license and a sturgeon spearing license (a separate permit) to participate legally.
  • The daily bag limit is one sturgeon per person, and you can only spear fish at night using a handheld spear or specialized spearing equipment.
  • Most spearers fish from shelters built on the ice, and the season draws thousands of participants who camp on the lake throughout the six weeks.

Licenses and permits you need

To spear sturgeon on Lake Winnebago, you need two separate licenses from the Wisconsin DNR. The first is a standard Wisconsin fishing license, which costs $28 for a resident annual license or $11 for a three-day license. The second is a sturgeon spearing license, which is specific to this fishery and costs $10 for residents. Non-residents pay $47 for an annual fishing license plus $25 for the sturgeon spearing license.

You can purchase both licenses online through the Wisconsin DNR website, by phone at 1-888-936-7463, or at any authorized license vendor (bait shops, sporting goods stores, and some grocery stores throughout Wisconsin). Licenses are instant if you buy online or by phone, so you can be ready to fish the same day. Bring proof of your licenses with you on the ice — the DNR conducts regular checks during the season.

Spearing methods and equipment rules

Sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago is a nighttime-only activity. You can spear from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise. The spear itself must be handheld — no mechanical or electric devices — and most people use a traditional multi-pronged spear (typically three to five barbed points). Some spearers use specialized spearing equipment designed for ice fishing, but the core rule is that the spear must be operated by hand.

You fish from a shelter — usually a small wooden or canvas structure built on the ice — with a hole cut through the ice beneath it. The shelter keeps you warm and blocks light from above, which helps you see the fish moving below. Most shelters are 4 by 4 feet or smaller. You watch through the hole using a light source (traditionally a gas lantern or modern LED light) and spear the sturgeon when it swims into range. A single spear thrust is the goal; you cannot use multiple attempts or drag the fish.

Daily limits and size restrictions

The daily bag limit is one sturgeon per person per day. There is no minimum size restriction — you can legally spear a sturgeon of any size. However, the Wisconsin DNR sets an overall harvest quota for the entire season, and once that quota is reached, the season closes immediately. In recent years, the quota has been around 1,000 to 1,500 fish for the entire season across all spearers, so the season can close in as little as three to four weeks if fishing is productive.

You must keep the first sturgeon you spear; you cannot release it and continue fishing for a larger one. Once you have taken your daily fish, you are done for that day. If you spear a sturgeon and it escapes or dies before you can land it, that still counts as your daily take.

Where to fish and what to expect

Most sturgeon spearing happens in the central and southern portions of Lake Winnebago, particularly around the towns of Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, and Menasha. The lake is large — about 215 square miles — but experienced spearers know the traditional fishing grounds where sturgeon congregate. Public access points exist around the lake, and many people simply drive onto the ice and set up a shelter in productive areas.

The season draws a strong community. Thousands of people camp on the ice in shelters, and small villages of temporary structures spring up in popular fishing zones. Many spearers stay for several days or weeks, and the social aspect — sharing meals, swapping stories, checking on neighbors — is as much a part of the season as the fishing itself. Bring warm clothing, a sleeping bag rated for below-zero temperatures, a reliable light source, and food and water. The ice can be dangerous, so never venture out alone, and always check current ice conditions with local authorities before driving onto the lake.

Safety and ice conditions

The Wisconsin DNR monitors ice thickness throughout the season and closes the fishery if conditions become unsafe. Before heading out, check the DNR's ice condition updates and call ahead to local bait shops or the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office for current reports. Ice thickness can vary across the lake, and thin spots can develop quickly as the season progresses.

Bring a spud bar (a long pole with a chisel end) to test ice thickness as you walk. Never drive onto the lake without confirming ice is at least 12 inches thick in your intended area. Wear a life jacket or flotation device, and let someone on shore know where you are and when you expect to return. If you fall through, the cold water can incapacitate you in minutes, so prevention is everything.

Preparing your catch

Lake Winnebago sturgeon are large, powerful fish — often 30 to 50 pounds, sometimes much larger — and handling them requires care. Once you spear a sturgeon, you need to land it quickly and humanely. Most spearers use a gaff or net to secure the fish after the spear strike, then dispatch it with a sharp blow to the head or a knife to the brain. Work quickly and decisively to minimize suffering.

Sturgeon meat is firm, mild, and versatile. The flesh is excellent smoked, grilled, pan-seared, or poached. Many traditional recipes call for brining the meat first to firm it further. The roe (eggs) is prized for caviar, though processing it requires specific knowledge. If you are new to sturgeon, ask experienced spearers on the ice for cooking advice — most are happy to share recipes and techniques that have worked for their families for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license just to watch people spearing?

No. If you are simply observing from shore or from someone else's shelter without fishing, you do not need a sturgeon spearing license. However, if you step onto the ice in a fishing area, the DNR may ask to see your license, so it is safest to carry one if you plan to be on the lake at all.

Can I spear sturgeon during the day?

No. Spearing is allowed only from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise. Daytime spearing is illegal, even if you have all the proper licenses and equipment.

What if I spear a sturgeon but it gets away before I land it?

That still counts as your daily take. You cannot continue fishing that day. The rule exists to prevent people from repeatedly striking fish and releasing them to find a larger one.

Is there a size limit for sturgeon on Lake Winnebago?

No minimum or maximum size limit exists. You can legally spear a sturgeon of any size. However, the season closes when the overall harvest quota is met, so availability depends on how many fish have been taken by all spearers combined.

Can I fish for sturgeon on other Wisconsin lakes?

No. Sturgeon spearing is permitted only on Lake Winnebago and its connected waters (the Menominee River, Fox River, and Wolf River up to specific points). No other Wisconsin water body allows sturgeon spearing.