SHIOCTON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The weather may have been unusually cold in recent weeks, but with warmer temperatures in the forecast, an annual rite of spring could be right around the corner.
Sturgeon spawning is expected to begin in the next week or so, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said Monday.
Each spring, the large fish emerge from the depths of lakes Winnebago, Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts to spawn on the banks of the Wolf River and other rivers and tributaries in the system. Sturgeon from Lake Michigan also spawn along the Peshtigo River.
Sturgeon spawning draws large crowds to locations such as Bamboo Bend in Shiocton, the Wolf River Sturgeon Trail near New London and Sturgeon Park below the Shawano Dam. Those who cannot make it to one of the viewing sites can watch the live-streamed Wolf River Cam.
One key difference this year will be the absence of the volunteer Sturgeon Guard keeping watch over the fish. The DNR asks anyone who sees poaching or interference with spawning to call 1-800-847-9367
Sturgeon spawning typically happens in mid-April, but the fish wait until water temperatures reach 53 degrees.
