DNR releases water clarity report ahead of sturgeon season

OSHKOSH, WI—(WISS)—The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) predicts a banner year for sturgeon spearers because the Lake Winnebago system has the clearest water for ice fishing in over 10 years. 

According to the DNR, water clarity is one of the strongest predictors of the lake sturgeon harvest in the Winnebago System during the spearing season. Water clarity is important as it helps spearers see the fish swimming deeper in the water. It helps spearers determine where they should suspend decoys. 

“During years with water clarity 12 feet or greater on Lake Winnebago, the pre-set harvest caps are often reached prior to the full 16-day season, causing shorter seasons,” said the DNR in its 2026 Water Clarity Report. 

The DNR said ice conditions affect water clarity. Shifting ice, snow cover, freezing dates, and thawing and refreezing events all contribute to water clarity.

Water clarity is between 13.8 feet and 19 feet below the surface just one week before the season opens. The average depth of clarity this year is 15.6 feet. For comparison, visibility was just 5.4 feet in 2025. Water clarity was extremely poor in 2025 due likely due to large algal blooms from sunlight. This likely had a direct effect on the low harvest last year.

“In general, years with water clarity greater than 12 feet tend to lead to higher harvest season,” the DNR said in its report. 

The 2026 Water Clarity report does not address the clarity in the Upriver Lakes in the Winnebago system. They are shallower, and clarity is not as much of a factor in the season’s length or success.

Sturgeon spearing season sees anglers from across the country setting up shanties on the Lake Winnebago system in Northeast Wisconsin. All look to catch one of the prehistoric fish.

Sturgeon spearing season starts Saturday, February 14, 2026. It will last until March 1st or until caps are met, whichever comes first. The last time the Lake Winnebago season closed early was in 2015, when it lasted just eight days.

The 2026 harvest caps are as follows:

Waterbody	Juvenile Females	Adult Females	Males
Lake Winnebago	280	659	981
Upriver Lakes	70	73	245
Winnebago System Totals	350	732	1226

As always, the DNR reminds spearers to check with local fishing clubs for ice conditions before venturing onto the frozen lake.