Lake sturgeon from the Winnebago System are getting ready to make their spawning run up the Wolf River to the Shawano Dam. Some sturgeon have also been seen staging on the Peshtigo River, waiting for the right conditions to spawn.

Lake sturgeon usually spawn when water temperatures reach about 53 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when water levels are low (like this year), they might not start spawning until water temperatures are closer to 60 degrees. The current water temperatures in the system are hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the lake sturgeon begin making their spawning run up the Wolf River, there are several locations where they can be seen up close, including:

• Wolf River Sturgeon Trail (near New London)
• Hwy 156 (near the Navarino State Wildlife Area)
• Bamboo Bend at Shiocton
• Shawano Dam in Shawano

If you do head out during the spawn, don’t forget to grab a pair of polarized sunglasses. These will help reduce the glare from the water and allow you to get a better look at the lake sturgeon.

Can’t make it out to see them in person? Check out these underwater camera feeds from Bamboo Bend in Shiocton and the Shawano Dam.

In a few weeks, you may also see lake sturgeon spawning on the lower Fox River in De Pere, the lower Peshtigo River in Peshtigo and the Chippewa River.

Daily spawning updates will also be posted to the DNR’s Lake Sturgeon Spawning webpage throughout the spawning season.