DE PERE — Male sturgeon were seen by biologists on Sunday cruising in both the upper Fox and Wolf rivers, signaling the beginning of the spawning season, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Biologists believe spawning will occur in the next day or two at Shiocton, New London and Princeton.
During mid-April to early May, Lake Sturgeon travel upstream to their spawning grounds, giving the public a prime opportunity to see these ancient ones up close.
Sturgeon spawning is dependent on water temperature and flow. During seasons when water flow is high and water temperatures rise slowly, spawning begins when the water temperature reaches 53 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, during seasons of low water flow and more rapid water temperature rise, spawning does not begin until water temperatures reach 58-59 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wolf River cam – underwater [exit DNR]
LAKE STURGEON SPAWNING AND VIEWING LOCATION ON THE LOWER FOX RIVER IN DE PERE
Spectators can view spawning sturgeon from the walkway immediately downstream of the De Pere Dam at Voyagers Park. The De Pere Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier extends out into the river that provides a better view of the spawning fish. The City of De Pere website includes details and directions: The Riverwalk Experience, DePere WI (exit DNR).
LAKE STURGEON SPAWNING AND VIEWING LOCATIONS ON THE WOLF RIVER
Maps open to larger images. Sites are listed from North to South.
Shawano Dam in Shawano – Parking is available on the east side of the river at the end of Richmond Street.
Bamboo Bend at Shiocton – on County Highway 54. Parking is available on the north side of County Hwy. 54.
Wolf River Sturgeon Trail (near New London) – about 2 miles west of New London on County Highway X. Parking is available on the south side of the river about 1/2 mile from the spawning site
LAKE STURGEON SPAWNING AND VIEWING LOCATION ON THE LOWER PESHTIGO RIVER IN PESHTIGO
Spectators can view spawning sturgeon immediately downstream of the Peshtigo Dam in Peshtigo. The Peshtigo River also has large runs of walleye and suckers that can also be seen from the fish viewing platform that extends out over the river. and Wildlife Viewing Pier extends out into the river that provides a better view of the spawning fish. Directions to the Peshtigo Fish Viewing Platform and parking information (exit DNR).
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