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Sturgeon viewing up in the air

Annual event draws thousands of people

By Greg Seubert


It’s too soon to tell, but it looks like COVID-19 might throw a wrench into Wisconsin’s annual sturgeon viewing party.

Thousands of people head to the Wolf River each spring to watch lake sturgeon spawn on the river’s banks in Waupaca, Outagamie and Shawano counties.

Lake sturgeon migrate upstream from Lake Winnebago to their annual spawning grounds generally between mid-April and early May, preferring to spawn in shallow, rocky areas along river banks.

Popular viewing places include the Wolf River Sturgeon Trail near New London, Bamboo Bend in Shiocton and below the river’s dam in Shawano.

Sturgeon spawning depends on water temperature and flow and optimum spawning temperatures range from 52 to 58 degrees.

Ryan Koenigs, who oversees the state Department of Natural Resources’ sturgeon program, referred coronavirus-related questions to Sarah Hoye, the agency’s communications director.

“Due to Gov. (Tony) Evers’ COVID-19 Safer at Home order, the Department of Natural Resources is evaluating all spring operations,” Hoye said. “The DNR continues to receive the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 and we will adjust operations as needed during this fluid public health emergency.

“Under the Safer at Home order, we must do all that we can to keep our families, friends, neighbors and communities safe,” she said. “Doing our part also means keeping our distance. Social distancing – keeping at least 6 feet apart from others and avoiding direct physical contact – is the only effective means of slowing COVID-19. Staying home as much as possible and limiting travel to your community is another big way people can help flatten the curve.”

Anglers, hunters and trappers are encouraged to fish, hunt and trap in their communities to prevent the spread of the virus, according to Hoye.

“Wisconsin’s waters are open,” she said. “You can fish if you have a license and normal season regulations apply. We would like the public to please implement social distancing, limit travel to their community and remember proper hand-washing.”

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