Season opens for inland hook/line lake sturgeon

The inland hook and line season for lake sturgeon is now open through Sept. 30. Anglers will have the opportunity to catch the prehistoric fish, while on waterways throughout Wisconsin. To harvest lake sturgeon, anglers must have a valid hook and line lake sturgeon tag. Anglers should also consult 2020-21 hook and line fishing regulations, as all regulation requirements apply. If an angler catches a lake sturgeon that they wish to harvest, they must immediately validate their tag. Any harvested sturgeon must be registered at a designated registration station before 6 p.m., on the day it was harvested. Despite not conducting fish surveys this year, fisheries biologists forecast a strong hook and line lake sturgeon season. DNR creel survey clerks will be stationed at various landings during the hook and line lake sturgeon season. Clerks will gather information on angler catch and the amount of time spent fishing. Anglers who encounter these clerks are encouraged to partake in the survey. The DNR encourages anglers to continue to practice responsible catch and release when releasing any fish they do not wish to keep. Advice on responsible catch and release can be found on the DNR’s responsible release page.