Lake sturgeon spawning
Spawning Season 2025
May 12, 2025
Good viewing opportunities still exist at the Peshtigo dam to see sturgeon spawn. However, time is limited to see sturgeon before they migrate out of the tributaries and back to Green Bay waters. We will continue to update this page when there are any changes, but here is a look at other locations:
Princeton Dam, Upper Fox River: Sturgeon are no longer spawning at this location.
Sturgeon Trail, New London, Wolf River: Sturgeon are no longer spawning at this location.
Bamboo Bend, Shiocton, Wolf River: Sturgeon are no longer spawning at this location.
Hwy 156: No activity to report.
Shawano Dam, Wolf River: Sturgeon are no longer spawning at this location.
De Pere Dam, Lower Fox River: No activity to report.
Peshtigo Dam, Peshtigo River: There are still some sturgeon hanging around below the Peshtigo Dam, but it appears that spawning activity has ended for now.
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.