UTERLake sturgeon fishing in Wisconsin freshwater
In Wisconsin freshwater, lake sturgeon peak February and are around February and September, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. February: Winnebago spearing season — opens in February, runs up to 16 days or until the harvest caps are hit.
Not in Wisconsin freshwater this month.
Lake sturgeon in Wisconsin freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryPeakWinnebago spearing season — opens in February, runs up to 16 days or until the harvest caps are hit.
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberAroundHook-and-line sturgeon season on selected rivers.
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish lake sturgeon near Lake Winnebago, Wolf River, Chippewa Flowage
Northern muskie and walleye lakes around Hayward and the Vilas County chain, the Winnebago system's walleye, white bass and sturgeon, driftless trout creeks, and the Mississippi.
What to use for lake sturgeon
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–70°F water, best at 45–60°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch lake sturgeon in Wisconsin freshwater?
Peak season is February. Lake sturgeon are in Wisconsin freshwater February and September. February: Winnebago spearing season — opens in February, runs up to 16 days or until the harvest caps are hit.
Where do lake sturgeon hold in Wisconsin freshwater?
Look on river, lake — around Lake Winnebago, Wolf River, Chippewa Flowage, Madison chain, Lake Geneva, Mississippi River.
What is the best bait for lake sturgeon in Wisconsin freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers. Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for lake sturgeon in Wisconsin freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Wisconsin DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/outreach/FishingLicenses.
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All about lake sturgeon · Wisconsin fresh water, the whole year