Spawning season 2019
Friday, April 19 – Water temperature is the biggest predictor of when spawning will occur, with peak spawning usually occurring when water temperatures reach 52-58 degrees. Current water temperatures range from 41 degrees in Shawano to 45 in New London on the Wolf River, so temps still need to warm before fish will come into the rock shorelines and start spawning. We have some forecasted warmer weather coming and I anticipate spawning will get underway within the next 3-6 days. I don’t anticipate spawning will occur on the Wolf River over the coming Easter weekend, but I guess anything could happen. Water temperatures on the upper Fox River have been running a few degrees ahead of the Wolf River all spring, so I anticipate we will see fish spawning in areas from Eureka to Princeton prior to spawning commencing on the Wolf River. – Ryan Koenigs, Fisheries biologist, Oshkosh
Lake sturgeon spawning infographic
Learn a little bit about this annual ritual [PDF]
Sturgeon spawning
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 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]
Call the sturgeon hotline number for recorded daily updates: (920) 303-5444.
Sturgeon guard
Volunteer to guard sturgeon at their spawning sites on the Wolf River and protect the fish from poaching. Contact Barbara Helmick at 920-420-1140 for more information.
Lake sturgeon spawning/viewing locations on the Wolf River
Maps open to larger images. Sites are listed from North to South
- Shawano Dam in Shawano – Parking available on the east side of the river at the end of Richmond Street.
- Bamboo Bend at Shiocton – on County Highway 54. Parking 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 available on the south side of the river about 1/2 mile from the spawning site