Lake Sturgeon

Acipenser fulvescens

Lake Winnebago has the largest self-sustaining lake sturgeon population in North America. Wisconsin's unique sturgeon spearing season in February is a cultural tradition dating back generations. Sturgeon can live 100+ years and grow over 6 feet.

Size Limit

Spearing season on Winnebago system only (February)

Daily Bag

1 (spearing tag required)

Season

Hook-and-line catch-and-release on most waters; spearing on Winnebago system in February

State Record

170 lb 10 oz

Yellow Lake (1979)

Best Months to Fish

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

What to Use

Live Bait & Natural

NightcrawlersCut bait

Lures & Artificials

Heavy bottom rigs

Lake Sturgeon Fishing in Wisconsin

Lake Winnebago has the largest self-sustaining lake sturgeon population in North America. Wisconsin’s unique sturgeon spearing season in February is a cultural tradition dating back generations. Sturgeon can live 100+ years and grow over 6 feet.

Regulation Notes

Sturgeon spearing tags are awarded by lottery. Hook-and-line catch-and-release is allowed on the Winnebago system and some rivers. Most other waters are catch-and-release only.

More Wisconsin Fish Species

Brown Trout

Salmonidae

Brook Trout

Salmonidae

Cisco (Lake Herring)

Salmonidae

Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon)

Salmonidae

Burbot (Eelpout)

Lotidae

Flathead Catfish

Ictaluridae

View all fish species →

Plan Your Lake Sturgeon Trip

Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next lake sturgeon fishing trip in Wisconsin.

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Regulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Wisconsin DNR regulations before fishing. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for ages 16+.