Lake sturgeon spawning
Spawning Season 2025
May 2, 2025
Sturgeon have started gathering in higher numbers on the Peshtigo and Lower Fox Rivers. Here's a look at where sturgeon are throughout the Winnebago System:
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: Some sturgeon can still be seen spawning. However, now's the time to see them as biologists predict that spawning activity will stop soon.
De Pere Dam, Lower Fox River: Sturgeon have shown up below the De Pere Dam. There was about 50 fish around with a few spawning pods observed this afternoon.
Peshtigo Dam, Peshtigo River: Sturgeon are still staging below the Peshtigo River dam. Flows have increased considerably in the last 24 hours, but viewing conditions from the Peshtigo River viewing platform are expected to improve by the weekend when sun is forecasted. Sturgeon are still not actively spawning.
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.