• Sturgeon Spearing and Winter Fishing on Lake Winnebago and Upriver Lakes

  • Feb 12 2025
  • Length: 4 mins
  • Podcast

Sturgeon Spearing and Winter Fishing on Lake Winnebago and Upriver Lakes

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  • Summary

  • Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Lakes in Wisconsin as of February 12, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. The sturgeon spearing season is in full swing, having started on February 8 and set to run until February 23, or until the harvest caps are reached. The weather has been quite variable, with reports of calm winds and sunshine on some days, but also shifts in water clarity due to changing ice conditions.

    For today, February 12, the sunrise was at around 6:45 AM, and the sunset will be at about 5:15 PM. There's no tidal report to consider here since we're dealing with freshwater lakes, but water clarity is a crucial factor. Recently, spearers have noted that areas with clear water one day can become murkier the next, even with sunny conditions.

    Despite these challenges, the sturgeon harvest has been impressive. On Lake Winnebago, the latest reports indicate that 74 sturgeon were harvested on February 9, including 30 males, 30 adult females, and 14 juvenile females. The Upriver Lakes also saw a steady harvest, with 47 sturgeon speared on the same day, comprising 32 males, 4 adult females, and 11 juvenile females[1][5].

    For those targeting sturgeon, finding clear pockets of water is key. The west central portion of Lake Winnebago near Oshkosh has been particularly productive, with many shanties set up in this area. The Downtown Oshkosh and Neenah registration stations have seen the highest number of harvests, and the Southwest Winnebago registration station has recorded the most fish weighing over 100 pounds[1].

    If you're looking for other species, Lake Winnebago is renowned for its walleye, perch, and crappie. For walleye, head to areas like Kelly’s Point and Reef, about 5 miles north of Fond du Lac on the western shoreline. This structure is surrounded by weeds, making it a hotspot for walleye. Trolling the shorelines and focusing on areas with hard bottoms and weeds can also be very effective[3].

    For bait, traditional sturgeon spearers rely on the visibility of the water to spot their prey, but for other species, live bait such as worms and minnows work well. For artificial lures, consider using slow-moving presentations, especially in colder waters. Lures that mimic the natural movement of baitfish or crustaceans can be very effective.

    Hot spots to consider include High Cliff State Park, where you can fish from the marina or the nearby rocks, and the Neenah Dam at the Fox River, which is great for panfish and walleye. Oshkosh is another prime location, offering access to both Lake Winnebago and Lake Butte des Morts[3].

    In summary, Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Lakes are offering some fantastic fishing opportunities right now, despite the variable water conditions. Keep an eye on those clear pockets of water, and don't hesitate to try out some traditional and artificial baits. Good luck out there, and I hope you land some monsters
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