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Fond du Lac Today
By the People, for the People
Fond du Lac Remembers Shortest Sturgeon Spearing Seasons
Lake Winnebago saw record-short sturgeon spearing seasons in the early 2000s that drove rule changes shaping the sport today.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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In the early 2000s, the sturgeon spearing season on Lake Winnebago was cut short multiple times, lasting only two days in 2000, 2001, and 2004. This was due to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources implementing harvest caps to prevent over-harvesting. The short seasons were disappointing for spearers and businesses, but they led to changes that have allowed the sturgeon population to grow and thrive in recent years.
Why it matters
The extremely short sturgeon spearing seasons in the early 2000s highlighted the need to carefully manage the fishery to protect the sturgeon population. The changes that resulted, such as implementing harvest caps, a lottery system for licenses, and shorter daily hours, have helped ensure the long-term sustainability of the sport.
The details
In 2000, 2001, and 2004, the sturgeon spearing season on Lake Winnebago lasted only two days before the harvest caps were reached. This was due to a surge in interest in the sport, with the number of spearers doubling in six years. To prevent over-harvesting, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources had implemented harvest caps across Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Lakes in 1999. The short seasons were a disappointment for unsuccessful spearers and local businesses, but they led to further regulations, including shorter daily hours and a lottery system for licenses on the Upriver Lakes.
- The last time the sturgeon spearing season ended early on Lake Winnebago was in 2015, when spearers met the harvest caps after seven days.
- The shortest seasons were in 2000, 2001, and 2004, each lasting only two days.
- The 1999 season lasted three days, and spearers were still chasing that success when the 2000 season opened on February 12.
- The 2001 season, though confined to Lake Winnebago, was a repeat of the previous year, ending after day two.
- The 2004 season lasted a total of 12 hours due to the shortened daily hours.
The players
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The state agency that implemented harvest caps and other regulations to manage the sturgeon fishery on Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Lakes.
Sturgeon for Tomorrow
A conservation group that was concerned about the future of the sturgeon fishery and made suggestions to protect the population, including implementing a lottery system for sturgeon tags.
Ronald Grishaber
A spearer who in 2010 hauled in a 212-pound female sturgeon, one of the heaviest harvests in Wisconsin's history, thanks to the regulations that evolved after the short seasons.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The extremely short sturgeon spearing seasons in the early 2000s highlighted the need to carefully manage the fishery to protect the sturgeon population. The changes that resulted, such as implementing harvest caps, a lottery system for licenses, and shorter daily hours, have helped ensure the long-term sustainability of the sport.
