![]() Unfortunately, water conditions are significantly worse this year with average depths in the 6-foot range. In 2017, water clarity was about 9-10 feet, which lead to a 16-day season. There are several working pressure cracks, and it is best to stay on the “roads” and use the “bridges” to navigate the lake if you are unfamiliar with the current ice conditions. Sunlight penetration into the water column through the ice will be maximized creating extra visibility with the light snow cover unless a snow event occurs during the season. Ice depths are in the 16-26” range, with minimal snowpack and minor drifting, making travel easier. Ice quality is a non-factor heading into the opener in 2018. The season-ending triggers for the Upper Lakes are essentially flat compared to the prior year. This is an approximately 18% reduction for the 2018 harvest cap on Lake Winnebago. ![]() In 2018, juvenile female triggers are set at 344 fish, adult female at 855 and 960 for males on Lake Winnebago. Sturgeon harvest caps are slightly reduced from 2017. It’s only a matter of time before another legendary fish is brought to the scales. There are 200-pound fish swimming in these waters, as verified by the DNR during spring spawns several years ago. It’s been several years since a monster sturgeon has been harvested. Fifty-four total fish were registered at more than 100 pounds. In 2017, the largest fish came in a tick under 155 pounds at a whopping 83.4”. Of interest in every season is the number of 100-pound fish harvested. ![]() On the final day of the season, heavy winds caused significant ice movements and created issues getting the remaining shanties off the ice without bridges.Ģ017 had sub-par numbers with a harvest of 552 sturgeon however, shanty count reached the second most of all time with 5,074 structures on opening day, which shows the popularity and growth of this unique sport in east-central Wisconsin. By the end of the second weekend of 2017, most spearers had removed their shanties and started preparations for spring walleye fishing. Last year was an average season: warm temperatures, insufficient ice and below average water clarity extended the season to maximum lengths on Lake Winnebago and the Upper Lakes (Lake Poygan, Winneconne and Buttes des Mortes). The 2018 Winnebago System Sturgeon Spearing season begins Feb.
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