Opening weekend for the 2019 sturgeon spearing season is all wrapped up. Here is what the Ryan Koenigs, of the Wisconsin DNR had to say:
Opening weekend of the 2019 sturgeon spearing season on the Winnebago System is now complete. There were 108 fish harvested today with 56 coming from Lake Winnebago and 52 from the Upriver Lakes. The 2-day harvest total from Lake Winnebago was 153 fish, which is very similar to opening weekend during the 2016 and 2018 seasons where 147 and 139 fish were registered. The 2-day harvest total from the Upriver Lakes was 182 fish. Of the 52 fish harvested from the Upriver Lakes today, 17 were adult females bringing the season total to 55 adult females, 57.9% of the cap. We are 40 adult females away from the adult female cap and 31 adult females away from the 90% trigger. At this point, I am predicting the Upriver Lakes season to close later in the week, likely Thursday or Friday. A detailed report of the number of fish harvested at each station can be viewed through the link:
The largest fish harvested today was 148.3 pounds (77.1”) and registered at Critter’s by Michael Bohow (link to photo below). The largest fish harvested from Lake Winnebago was 124.7 pounds (69.1”) and registered at Calumet Harbor by Michael Popp of Fond du Lac (link to photo below).
Michael Bohow_148.3 pounds_77.1 inches_Critters_2-10-2019.jpg
Michael Popp_124.7 pounds_69.1 inches_Cal Harbor_2-10-2019.jpg
I’m hoping to get a vignette out either later today or tomorrow about the large fish that have been showing up in recent spear harvests and spring spawning stock assessments, so stay tuned! Until then, good luck during the remainder of the season!
Questions or comments? Contact
Ryan Koenigs, WDNR Senior Fisheries Biologist / Winnebago System Sturgeon Biologist
Phone: (920)303-5450, Ryan.koenigs@wisconsin.gov
