NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – Lakes Biologist Margaret Stadig says water temperatures remain around 40 degrees, significantly below the 50-degree threshold typically needed for sturgeon to begin spawning. While recent days have brought warmer air temperatures, the impact has been limited due to lingering snowpack across the region.
Stadig explains that melting snow from late-season storms continues to feed cold water into the river system, preventing temperatures from rising quickly enough to trigger spawning activity. As a result, what is often a mid-to-late April event is now expected to be delayed.
Officials are now projecting the sturgeon spawn could begin later in April or potentially stretch into early May, depending on how quickly water temperatures increase in the coming weeks. The timing shift may impact when visitors and wildlife enthusiasts can observe the annual spawning runs, which typically draw crowds to popular viewing areas along the river.
Despite the delay, Stadig says there is optimism surrounding this year’s spawn. She notes that recent years have produced strong spawning classes, and there continues to be a healthy population of sturgeon in the system.
Biologists are hopeful that once conditions improve, the spawn will be active and provide another strong showing for both the ecosystem and those hoping to witness the unique natural event.
Officials encourage the public to monitor conditions and updates as the season approaches, as the exact timing will ultimately depend on sustained warming trends across the region.
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