The Wolf River’s lake sturgeon spawning run is in full swing.
Several people checked out the Wolf River Sturgeon Trail on County Trunk X west of New London April 16.
“There are currently multiple spawning pods working at the Sturgeon Trail in New London and at least one spawning pod working at Bamboo Bend in Shiocton,” said Ryan Koenigs, sturgeon biologist for the state Department of Natural Resources.
“Water temperatures have warmed up quite rapidly and will continue to warm over the next couple of days with the warm sunny weather,” he said. “Due to these conditions, I believe the fish will spawn very fast and we will have a short, intense run that may last less than a week.”
Lake sturgeon travel up the Wolf River to their spawning grounds from mid-April to early May, giving the public a prime opportunity to see these ancient fish 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 as water temperatures reaches 53 degrees Fahrenheit.
During seasons of low water flow and more rapid water temperature rise, spawning does not begin until water temperatures reach 58 to 59 degrees.
Recorded daily updates on the status of the spawning run can be heard by calling 920-303-5444.
Koenigs recommended visiting popular spawning sites near New London and Shiocton Friday or Saturday, April 15-16.
“If you want to get out and see the sturgeon spawn, I highly recommend making arrangements to do that over the next one to two days in New London or Shiocton,” he said. “I am anticipating that there will be spawning activity below the Shawano dam by this weekend as well.”