Upriver Lakes sturgeon spearing season closed after safe harvest caps met

The season on the Upriver Lakes of Poygan, Winneconne, and Butte des Morts came to an end on Monday after the DNR reached its harvest caps.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The sturgeon spearing season on the Upriver Lakes in Northeast Wisconsin came to a close on Monday after the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reached its safe harvest caps. DNR Sturgeon Biologist Margaret Stadig said the season was a success, with around 40-60% of the 500 lottery winners being successful in spearing a sturgeon, compared to only about 8% success on the larger Lake Winnebago.

Why it matters

Sturgeon spearing is a beloved tradition in Northeast Wisconsin, and the Upriver Lakes provide a unique opportunity for spearers to have a higher success rate compared to the larger and more challenging Lake Winnebago. Reaching the harvest caps ensures the long-term sustainability of the sturgeon population in these waters.

The details

The sturgeon spearing season on the Upriver Lakes, which includes the lakes of Poygan, Winneconne, and Butte des Morts, came to a close at 1 p.m. on Monday after the DNR reached its safe harvest caps. DNR Sturgeon Biologist Margaret Stadig said the Upriver Lakes season is typically shorter and more successful than the season on the larger Lake Winnebago, with around 40-60% of the 500 lottery winners being successful in spearing a sturgeon, compared to only about 8% success on Lake Winnebago.

  • The sturgeon spearing season on the Upriver Lakes closed at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • The season on Lake Winnebago is still ongoing.

The players

Margaret Stadig

A DNR Sturgeon Biologist who oversees the sturgeon spearing seasons in Northeast Wisconsin.

Joe Stark

A spearfisher from Fond du Lac who registered a 33-pound, 55.6-inch sturgeon he speared on Lake Poygan.

Troy Kettlewell

A spearfisher from Omro who registered a 49.8-pound, 64.5-inch sturgeon he speared on Lake Butte des Morts.

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What they’re saying

“This is really good. It's nice seeing a lot of people being very successful on the Upriver Lakes. We haven't had a short Upriver season in two years, which is very uncommon.”

— Margaret Stadig, DNR Sturgeon Biologist (FOX 11 News)

“I just figured today's the last day. We know there's a lot of fish in the area, but like I said, we were hoping for a big one, but 30 pounds, not a bad fish.”

— Joe Stark, Spearfisher (FOX 11 News)

“I was hoping the season would have been a little longer, especially when you're still holding onto a tag. But I was fortunate enough to get one. So, good for me.”

— Troy Kettlewell, Spearfisher (FOX 11 News)

What’s next

The sturgeon spearing season on Lake Winnebago will continue until the harvest caps are reached, which typically takes several more weeks.

The takeaway

The successful and sustainable management of the sturgeon population in the Upriver Lakes demonstrates the effectiveness of the DNR's lottery system and harvest cap approach, ensuring this beloved tradition can continue for generations to come.