🦕 Spearing WI dinosaurs

Us good folks of Wisconsin are often heralded as a little crazy for the hobbies we pursue, especially in the winter. Looking at you, Hugh Jass winter bike racers...

Among the things that cause concern among medical professionals, Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing may take the cheese as the most stand out of them all.

Each February, thousands of anglers are reeled to Lake Winnebago for its annual sturgeon spearing season, in which fishermen and women patiently wait in their dark shanties for a chance to spear one of these ancient fish.

The largest and longest-living fish in the Great Lakes Region, the Lake Sturgeon is hailed as the "Living Dinosaur of the Midwest." Hey, that's what they used to call my mom...

These fish have been around for an estimated 200 million years, and...

• Grow up to 7 feet and over 200 lbs

• Live as long as 150 years old

• Number at 45,000+ in Lake Winnebago, the largest population in the world

Sturgeon: It's what's for dinner

Long ago, before you could swing by the local tavern and order a Friday Fish Fry, the Menominee tribe relied on Lake Winnebago's sturgeon spearing to keep fed through the winter.

Despite the damming, pollution, and habitat degradation that led to the sturgeon's disappearance, the Menominee people still celebrate this heritage today due to careful conservation efforts to restore the sturgeon.

And so, though no longer relied on for sustenance, (Siri, directions to the nearest Culver's) sturgeon spearing has since grown into an annual tradition for Lake Winnebago.

Heavily regulated by the DNR, the 16-day season kicks off every February. With spears, decoys, and ice shanties, anglers take to the ice in the tens of thousands, hoping to spear a sturgeon.

Spearing, the way your uncle does it (probably)

It takes a bit of skill, some gear, and a lot of luck, so here's a breakdown on sturgeon spearing:

1. Before the beers, cut a wide hole in the ice with a chainsaw (max 48 sq. ft.)

2. Place your shanty over said hole and black out the windows - you'll need complete darkness

3. Use a fish decoy to lure one in (some swear by a toilet seat)

4. Shoot, was that one? Shut up Dave, I can't concentrate!

5. There! Throw your 50-ish lb. spear with all your might. You got 'em!

6. After the sturgeon tires itself out, have your buddies help you haul it in

7. Register your fish and celebrate - only 10% of anglers are successful!

​Whether you're the one throwing the spear, providing the company, or just there to help eat the fish, there's a ton of ways to get your feet wet with this legendary event.

Build your own ice shanty, attend the Sturgeon Spectacular, or prep the dinner table with this classic sturgeon recipe.

Get out 'der!