Wisconsin DNR Urges Sturgeon Spearers to Watch for Updates as 90% Harvest Cap Nears

Department expects harvest to pick up this weekend as warm weather continues to impact season

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging sturgeon spearers on the Winnebago system to monitor the numbers closely as the season nears the 90% harvest cap for adult female sturgeon. As of Thursday, spearers have harvested 85% of the adult female cap, and the DNR expects harvest to increase this weekend as more spearers take to the ice. Only one fish over 100 pounds was harvested so far, by Jordan Schmitz, who speared a 102.6-pound, 68.6-inch female sturgeon.

Why it matters

The sturgeon spearing season on the Winnebago system is closely monitored by the Wisconsin DNR to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery. Reaching the 90% harvest cap for adult female sturgeon would trigger the end of the season, so spearers need to stay informed on the latest numbers to plan their activities accordingly.

The details

The season on the Upriver Lakes (Butte des Morts, Winneconne and Poygan) ended on Monday, but the overall Winnebago system season remains open. On Thursday, 30 sturgeon were speared, including two juvenile females, 12 adult females, and 16 males. The warm weather continues to impact the harvest, with only one fish over 100 pounds taken so far.

  • As of Thursday, spearers are 85% of the way toward the adult female harvest cap for the entire Winnebago system.
  • The trigger for the season to end is 90% of the adult female harvest cap.
  • The season on the Upriver Lakes (Butte des Morts, Winneconne and Poygan) ended on Monday.

The players

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Wisconsin's natural resources, including the sturgeon fishery on the Winnebago system.

Jordan Schmitz

A sturgeon spearer who harvested a 102.6-pound, 68.6-inch female sturgeon, his first-ever sturgeon catch.

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