The sturgeon spearing season on Lake Winnebago is approaching, with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) setting October 31, as the deadline to purchase a license. Licenses for Lake Winnebago are available without restriction, while participation on the Upriver Lakes is limited to individuals selected through a lottery system. The drawing for Upriver Lakes permits for the 2026 season has already been completed. License details and purchasing options are available through the DNR’s Go Wild system and at authorized sales locations.
The DNR provides an exception for youth and military personnel. According to a statement from the DNR newsroom, "military personnel home on leave during the spearing season and youth who will turn 12 between Nov. 1, 2025, and the last day of the 2026 spearing season do not need to purchase their license by the Oct. 31 deadline." Additionally, individuals who apply for a tag on the Upriver Lakes should be aware that doing so makes them ineligible to purchase a tag for Lake Winnebago.
Lake Winnebago supports a sturgeon population that is monitored through ongoing conservation and management efforts, which are partially funded by license sales. The revenue from these sales is used to support operational activities such as staffing registration stations and conducting research during the spawning season. These efforts contribute to the continued management of the fishery.
Participants in the 2026 sturgeon spearing season, scheduled to begin on February 14, should plan for up to 16 days of activity. However, the season may end earlier if established harvest caps are met. These caps are in place as part of the management framework for the sturgeon population. Full season details and regulations are available on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.
