Lake sturgeon spawning
What To Do If You See A Stranded Lake Sturgeon
High water levels are still causing areas outside of the river to flood, allowing some sturgeon to utilize passages that are usually unavailable. Many of the culverts are still accessible during this high water. The Winnebago Sturgeon Team is aware that there are sturgeon in new locations along the Wolf River and other areas of the Wolf River drainage due to these high waters. The DNR has and will continue to respond to reports of sturgeon.
To reduce the stress on fish and decrease the chance that they swim up to the shallow area again, we ask that people leave these fish alone. As waters recede, fish will return to their normal areas.
As of April 24, 2026, here is what has been reported on the Fox, Wolf and Peshtigo rivers:
Princeton Dam, Upper Fox River: Sturgeon can be seen spawning.
Sturgeon Trail, New London, Wolf River: No sturgeon can be seen. Conditions are too dangerous to monitor.
Bamboo Bend, Shiocton, Wolf River: No sturgeon can be seen. Conditions are too dangerous to monitor.
Shawano Dam, Wolf River: Sturgeon can be seen spawning.
De Pere Dam, Lower Fox River: About 40 sturgeon were observed below the dam this morning. Water clarity continues to be poor with all of the water coming through the Fox River system from precipitation earlier this spring. No spawning activity has been reported yet, though sturgeon may start spawning over the weekend.
Peshtigo Dam, Peshtigo River: Some sturgeon can be observed in the high water below the dam at Peshtigo.
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.