Lake sturgeon spawning
Spawning Season 2024
April 18, 2024
The 2024 sturgeon spawning season is here! Spawning continues on the Peshtigo and Wolf Rivers.
Princeton Dam, Upper Fox River: Spawning activity has stopped, and sturgeon can no longer be seen below the dam.
Sturgeon Trail, New London, Wolf River: Spawning activity has stopped, and sturgeon can no longer be seen.
Bamboo Bend, Shiocton, Wolf River: Spawning activity has stopped, and sturgeon can no longer be seen.
Shawano Dam, Wolf River: Sturgeon can be seen actively spawning below the dam. DNR crews will likely be there sometime during the day.
De Pere Dam, Lower Fox River: A few sturgeon have been seen cruising the shallows, but spawning has yet to start. The cooler weather forecasted for later this week may delay the spawn.
Peshtigo Dam, Peshtigo River: The early morning water temperature was 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A high number of sturgeon can still be seen from the viewing platform, with spawning activity observed. Yesterday afternoon, DNR crews netted, measured and tagged sturgeon.
Keep an eye on this page, as it'll be updated regularly to show locations with spawning activity once spotted.
Sturgeon spawning
From 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
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 Fox River in DePere
Spectators can view spawning sturgeon from the walkway immediately downstream of the DePere Dam at Voyagers Park. The DePere Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier extends into the river and provides a better view of the spawning fish. The City of DePere website includes details and directions: The Riverwalk Experience, DePere WI.
Lake sturgeon spawning and viewing location on the Lower Peshtigo River in Peshtigo
Spectators can view the 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 into the river and provides a better view of the spawning fish. Driving directions: Peshtigo Fish Viewing Platform and parking information.