Sturgeon and Walleye Info/Meetings 1-11-2012

Dear Winnebago Sturgeon and Walleye Enthusiasts:

Here’s a few updates and other information you may be interested in…………..Sturgeon Spearing 2012 The 2012 sturgeon spearing season is around the corner (only 30 days away!) and the biggest question spearers are asking at this point is will we have adequate ice. Given the forecast for very cold weather coming in over the next ten days or so, we can all still be optimistic. Regardless though what kind of ice we end up with, the ice is never completely safe. I have a great respect for Winnebago sturgeon spearers ability read ice, but you can never be too careful.We are distributing hard copies to the major DNR license vendors around the lake system; and I will be bringing copies with me to the upcoming Sturgeon for Tomorrow banquets in Fond du Lac this Sat Jan 14, in Kiel Jan 28, and in Darboy Feb 4. (If you haven’t already got your tickets contact SFT - details in the reg pamphlet page 12). I’ve also attached a Spearing Shanty Rental List. I am certain there are more rental places out there so if you would like me to add your name to the list, please send me your contact information and where you rent shanties (Winnebago and/or Upriver Lakes).Winnebago Fisheries Public Meetings January 24 & 25
Kendall Kamke, Ryan Koenigs, and I, along with other Oshkosh Fisheries staff, will be conducting two general public meetings Tuesday January 24 in Winneconne, and Wednesday January 25 at Fisherman’s Road Fishing Club Headquarters (SE Shore of Lake Winnebago).The purpose of the meetings is to provide updates and status reports on the sturgeon, walleye, perch, sauger, and other fisheries on the Winnebago System; as well as to discuss restoring spawning and resident lake sturgeon in the Wolf River in the Menominee Reservation above Shawano.Looking forward to seeing you at an SFT Banquet or one of our meetings. I’ll be sending out a more in-depth pre-spearing season news release in a couple of weeks.Ron

Ronald M. Bruch, PhD
Upper Fox-Wolf Fisheries Work Unit Supervisor
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources