Sturgeon spearing frequently-asked questions

Here are some frequently-asked questions about sturgeon spearing on the Lake Winnebago system, with answers provided by the DNR.

• Can I hook/line fish in the shanty if I close the lid on the spearing hole? No it is illegal to possess hook/line equipment in a shanty with an ice hole larger than 12” across.  Fishing gear must be outside the shanty.  If the spearing hole has frozen over a hole 12” or less can be made and a person could fish with hook/line through it

• Can I use an underwater camera?  Yes, however if the camera is equipped with lights they would need to be disabled in some manner. Putting electrical tape or duct tape over the lights works the best.

• What can I put on the bottom or use for a decoy?  Whatever is placed in the water must be removed or retrieved when asked.  In most cases items are attached to a string or can be “hooked” for removal.  Decoy types are unlimited as long as they don’t involve any lights (glow sticks are illegal) or hooks.  Minnows can be used provided they are in a sealed container and regulations related to minnow use and transportation would apply.  Decoys with fluorescent paint can be used.

• Can I sit and watch for sturgeon after the 12:30 pm closure?  Yes, if there is no spear inside the shanty being occupied.

• Can I be in a shanty after hours with a dismantled spear (head removed)? Once spearing hours close a person cannot be in a shanty with a spear.  If the spear head is removed it must be placed outside the shanty when occupied.

• Can my friend sit with me in the shanty and not have a license?  Yes, the person with the valid license is the only person who can spear a fish.  An unlicensed person cannot be inside a shanty alone with a spear. 

• Can I have 2 or more spears in the shanty and only 1 valid tag?  Yes, see above.

• Can I drive past a registration station with an unregistered fish en route to another registration station?  Yes, provided the fish is openly exposed to view while in or on the vehicle, the tag can’t be handled or manipulated, and the sturgeon is accompanied by the person who speared and tagged it, and you don’t go outside the listed highway boundaries.

• Can I use a fish locator, flasher, or vexlar?  Yes, as long as it doesn’t involve the use of lights in the water.

• Can I put tip-ups outside the shanty and how close can they be to the shanty?  Yes, they must be attended and immediately responded to if a bite is indicated.  There is no minimum or maximum distance from the shanty as long as they aren’t unattended.