Better spearing conditions means better business

OSHKOSH - Some sturgeon spearers say conditions on Lake Winnebago have improved since opening day. That has more fish being registered, and some area businesses benefiting as well.

"I was in the shack probably about 15, 20 minutes," said sturgeon spearer Bill Standke.

Standke had a good day. It was a quick one.

"Basically got everything in place and looked (in the hole) and here he comes,” said Standke of the prehistoric fish. “Just like a dream come true!"

Standke, of Redgranite, says sturgeon spearing is his winter activity. And despite problems with water clarity and ice thickness to start the season, he says the conditions continue to improve.

"All the local clubs are putting their bridges out,” said Standke. “It's been cold – it's making ice."

Standke says he will go wherever he has to on the Winnebago system, in order to get a fish. And wherever that is means supporting the local fishing clubs and businesses.

This year, it's Jerry's Bar on Ceape Avenue.

The well-known watering hole doesn't generally need help staying busy, especially during spearing season. It’s home to the Otter Street Fishing Club and a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources sturgeon registration station.

Being a short distance from the lake, it's a common stop for many spearers at the end of the spearing hours.

Bartender Cathy Krall says spearing season is the most profitable sporting season of the year for the old neighborhood bar. But after the opening day turnout, she says business tapered off.

"First weekend is always, you know, so busy,” explained Krall inside the packed bar. “And then, I think during the week, it did slow down because of the, you know, water clarity."

But as spearers started seeing clearer water and registering more sturgeon – Krall says business is picking up.

And with the season expected to go the full 16 days, Krall says that could translate into even more business than normal.

"It's great. It doubles the business every Saturday and Sunday and probably Fridays too."

As for Standke, though he already has his fish, he's optimistic that those still on the ice - waiting - still have a shot.

"What looked like was going to be a terrible season is going to be a decent season," he said.

The DNR estimates that, over an average 10-day season, roughly $3.5 million is brought into the local economy.