By Dairyland Sentinel Staff – The annual sturgeon spearing season on the Winnebago System is scheduled to open Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is finalizing preparations for the season, which features one of the most significant lake sturgeon populations in North America.
The 2026 season will run for a maximum of 16 days, ending March 1, 2026. However, the season may close earlier if any of the sex-specific harvest caps are reached. For the 2026 season on Lake Winnebago, the harvest caps are 280 juvenile females, 659 adult females and 981 males. On the Upriver Lakes, which include Butte des Morts, Winneconne and Poygan, the caps are 70 juvenile females, 73 adult females and 245 males.
“With one of the largest lake sturgeon populations in North America, the Winnebago System supports an annual spearing season that runs for a maximum of 16 days (closing March 1, 2026) or until any of the predetermined harvest caps have been met,” the DNR stated.
Legal spearing hours take place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. State law dictates that “sturgeon spearing can only legally be done from within a shelter placed on ice.” Additionally, the DNR reminds participants that “their sturgeon spearing tag must be on their person” while on the ice.
Pre-season assessments of Lake Winnebago indicate favorable conditions for participants. “This year’s assessments indicate excellent water clarity throughout Lake Winnebago, which is on track with other highly successful years,” officials noted. While the DNR does not check clarity on the Upriver Lakes, they noted that “clarity is usually not a major factor in predicting harvest on these waterbodies because they are shallow.”
Successful spearers are required to register their fish by 2 p.m. on the day of harvest. Fish taken from Lake Winnebago must go to a Lake Winnebago station, while those from the Upriver Lakes must go to an Upriver Lakes station.
“As successful spearers head off the ice to register their fish, the sturgeon must be openly exposed, meaning it is visible to a person in a passing vehicle,” the DNR advised.
The sport is recognized as a unique cultural event. According to the DNR, “the Winnebago system is home to one of North America’s largest lake sturgeon populations and hosts a unique winter spear fishery.” For many participants, “the season is defined by the time spent with loved ones, rather than the harvesting of a fish.”
This year’s harvest caps are:
| WATERBODY | JUVENILE FEMALES | ADULT FEMALES | MALES |
| Lake Winnebago | 280 | 659 | 981 |
| Upriver Lakes | 70 | 73 | 245 |
| Winnebago System Totals | 350 | 732 | 1,226 |
Safety remains a priority as the season opens. The department warns that “no ice is 100% safe” and does not monitor ice conditions directly. Spearers should check with local fishing clubs for the most current updates before heading out.
For more information:
Winnebago System Sturgeon Spearing Main Page
