Sturgeon Spearing Season Opens with 108-Pound Catch on Lake Winnebago

Father-son team lands the biggest fish of the day on opening day of Wisconsin's annual sturgeon spearing tradition.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Wisconsin's sturgeon spearing season kicked off on Lake Winnebago, with hundreds of anglers heading out onto the ice for one of the state's longest-running winter traditions. A father-son team, Brent and Craig Shepherd, landed the biggest catch of the day - a 108-pound sturgeon. Other notable catches included a 70-80 year old female sturgeon landed by Marla Heimerman, a first-time spear fisher.

Why it matters

Sturgeon spearing is a beloved cultural tradition in Wisconsin, drawing crowds of enthusiasts each year to the Winnebago system. The opening day success highlights the continued health of the sturgeon population and the community spirit surrounding this unique winter sport.

The details

On the opening day of sturgeon spearing season, Brent and Craig Shepherd from Quinney landed the biggest fish - a 108-pound sturgeon. Brent, with 40 years of spear fishing experience, and Craig, with just 3 years under his belt, worked together to bring in the massive catch. Meanwhile, Marla Heimerman from New Holstein landed her first-ever sturgeon, a 70-80 year old female fish. Biologists noted the clear water and good ice conditions contributed to the strong opening day, with many satisfied spearers coming in to register their catches.

  • Sturgeon spearing season runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., February 14 to March 1, unless a harvest cap is reached earlier.
  • The 2026 season officially kicked off on February 14.

The players

Brent Shepherd

A 40-year veteran of sturgeon spear fishing who, along with his son Craig, landed the biggest catch of the day - a 108-pound sturgeon.

Craig Shepherd

Brent Shepherd's son, with 3 years of sturgeon spear fishing experience, who helped land the 108-pound sturgeon on opening day.

Marla Heimerman

A first-time sturgeon spear fisher from New Holstein who landed a 70-80 year old female sturgeon, her first-ever catch.

Angelo Cozzola

A Wisconsin DNR fisheries biologist who noted the strong opening day conditions and the community spirit surrounding the sturgeon spearing tradition.

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What they’re saying

“Pretty cool, pretty neat. It was fun, exciting.”

— Brent and Craig Shepherd (nbc26.com)

“The fight went on for a bit longer, yeah it tugged hard.”

— Craig Shepherd (nbc26.com)

“He was laying down next to the shanty, next to the spear and he didn't have time to stand up and spear it so, I was the bad guy and I speared it. I'm not mad.”

— Brent Shepherd (nbc26.com)

“Lot of respect for this fish.”

— Brent Shepherd (nbc26.com)

“It's just neat, I would guess this fish is 70-80 years old.”

— Craig Shepherd (nbc26.com)

What’s next

As the sturgeon spearing season continues, biologists will monitor the catch rates and ensure the harvest cap is not reached before the scheduled end date of March 1.

The takeaway

The strong opening day of sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago demonstrates the enduring appeal and cultural significance of this unique Wisconsin winter tradition, which brings together generations of anglers to celebrate the state's natural resources and outdoor heritage.