Lake sturgeon spawning
Spawning Season 2025
April 24, 2025
Sturgeon have been seen spawning at several locations across the Winnebago System. Spawning activity has been reported in parts of the Upper Fox, Wolf and Peshtigo rivers. We will continue to update this webpage to show locations with spawning activity.
Princeton Dam, Upper Fox River: Sturgeon can be seen spawning.
Sturgeon Trail, New London, Wolf River: Sturgeon can be seen spawning.
Bamboo Bend, Shiocton, Wolf River: Sturgeon can be seen spawning.
Hwy 156: No activity to report.
Shawano Dam, Wolf River: Sturgeon have started spawning, and it’s likely to continue tomorrow and through the weekend.
De Pere Dam, Lower Fox River: Some sturgeon have been spotted in the shallow water downstream from the walleye deck in Voyager Park in De Pere. No sightings have been reported by the dam nor are there any sturgeon actively spawning.
Peshtigo Dam, Peshtigo River: Sturgeon can be seen from the Peshtigo River viewing platform and more sturgeon are staging below the Peshtigo Dam.
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 - 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.
- Highway 156 - Near the Navarino State Wildlife Area.
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 into the river and provides a better view of the spawning fish. The City of De Pere website includes details and directions: The Riverwalk Experience, De Pere, Wisconsin.
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.