• "Sturgeon Spearing and Winter Fishing on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin"

  • Feb 7 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

"Sturgeon Spearing and Winter Fishing on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin"

  • Summary

  • Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene around Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, just a day before the highly anticipated sturgeon spearing season kicks off.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. As of today, February 7th, the forecast is looking chilly but perfect for ice fishing. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-teens to low twenties Fahrenheit, with clear skies and light winds. This kind of weather is ideal for getting out on the ice and setting up those shanties.

    Sunrise today is at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:00 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get your gear ready and hit the ice.

    Now, let's dive into the water conditions. The 2025 Winnebago Water Clarity Report indicates that water clarity around Lake Winnebago is less than 10 feet, which typically suggests a full 16-day harvest season for sturgeon spearing. However, it's crucial to note that ice conditions play a significant role in water clarity, and this year's ice is looking stable but not exceptionally clear[4].

    For sturgeon spearing, which begins tomorrow, February 8th, the best spots are usually where the water is shallow and the ice is solid. Areas like the north shore of Lake Winnebago, particularly around Quinney, are popular due to their historical success rates. The Upriver Lakes, including Butte des Morts, Winneconne, and Poygan, are also hot spots, but these require a special permit and have limited licenses available[1].

    If you're not into sturgeon spearing or prefer other species, Lake Winnebago and its surrounding waters are renowned for their walleye, whitebass, crappie, and perch. For walleyes, trolling crank baits or pitching jigs near structures like weeds, shorelines, reefs, and rocky points can be very effective. This time of year, walleyes might be a bit sluggish due to the cold, but they can still be caught using slow and steady presentations[3].

    For bait, live bait such as fatheads or golden shiners work well for walleyes and panfish. For sturgeon, the traditional method involves using decoys suspended at the right depth to attract these ancient fish.

    In terms of recent catches, the sturgeon spearing season hasn't started yet, but last year's reports indicate that the harvest was lower due to poor ice conditions. This year, with better ice, we're expecting a more active season[1].

    To sum it up, if you're heading out to Lake Winnebago or the Upriver Lakes, make sure to check the ice conditions with local fishing clubs, dress warmly, and be prepared for a day of ice fishing. For sturgeon spearing, register your fish promptly at one of the DNR-operated registration stations, and enjoy the rich tradition that comes with this unique sport.

    Good luck out there, and tight lines
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