Wisconsin DNR: 2023 Hook & Line Sturgeon Season Opens September 2nd

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that the inland hook and line season for Lake Sturgeon will take place September 2nd through September 30th on certain waters. Lake Sturgeon in these waterbodies remain strong thanks to continued science-based management practices and habitat work.

Anglers interested in harvesting a lake sturgeon must have their general 2023 fishing license and a valid hook and line lake sturgeon tag.

 Licenses and tags may be purchased online through Go Wild or from license vendors. All licenses and regulations apply.

The DNR reminds anglers that only one fish may be harvested per season and must have a minimum length measurement of 60 inches. Anglers who harvest a lake sturgeon must validate their tag immediately upon harvesting the sturgeon before moving it and register the harvested sturgeon at a designated registration station.

Anglers should be aware that some sturgeon may have a tag near their dorsal fin. These tags contain information that is used to monitor the movement and growth of lake sturgeon and will aid the DNR in future management practices. If anglers catch a tagged sturgeon, they should submit the following information to the county’s fisheries biologist:

Where the fish was caught

The date of the catch

Tag number, color, and material composition of the tag (i.e., metal or plastic)

Overall fish length

Anglers can find additional information on the inland hook and line sturgeon webpage.