Friday’s sturgeon spearing harvest lowest so far of 2026 season

(WBAY) - The Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season is moving steadily toward its harvest cap with 1,435 lake sturgeon taken so far across the entire Winnebago System.

Spearers are expected to continue fishing through most of the weekend before the season potentially closes.

Friday’s harvest was the lowest of the season so far, with only 19 fish taken as spearers dealt with wet and windy conditions following several warm days. The day’s catch included 4 juvenile females, 6 adult females, and 9 males.

“This is reflected in the daily harvest total of 19 lake sturgeon, which is the lowest harvest so far this season,” the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reported in its daily update.

The total harvest breakdown for the season stands at 196 juvenile females, 628 adult females, and 630 males across the Winnebago System. Spearers remain below the season’s harvest cap, meaning fishing can continue.

“We are not much closer to reaching the harvest cap than we were yesterday, so spearers will likely be able to spear for most of the weekend,” the DNR said. Anglers are urged to monitor harvest numbers and watch for any season closure notices via email updates.

Large sturgeon over 100 pounds remain relatively difficult to find this year, but two were harvested Friday. Lucas Muche speared the day’s largest catch, a 71-inch female weighing 104.4 pounds. Al Schumacher also landed a trophy fish, an adult female weighing 104.2 pounds.

“Congrats to both on the great fish!” the DNR said.

The complete Day 7 Harvest Report is available online for those tracking the spearing season’s progress. Anglers planning to head out this weekend are encouraged to check harvest updates regularly and fish safely.