Mark Schram – Myfishingpartner.com
It is the first week in February, and in most years, a considerable hustle and bustle is seen along the shorelines and on the Ice of Lake Winnebago, preparing for the upcoming Sturgeon-Spearing season.
In 2024, unseasonably warm weather has rendered most of the lake at risk of supporting any travel on Lake Winnebago except foot traffic.
For many, sturgeon spearing in 2024 won’t be an option.
With mid-forties temperatures leading up to Saturday’s opener and rain expected to start the season, the current conditions are the best we can expect heading into the season.
Stockbridge: The landings are still viable, but areas of bad ice can be observed from shore. About a half mile out, I observed four ATVs picking their way across the ice. No one else was seen on the ice. I have heard reports of about 6-12″ of ice, with many bad spots.
Pipe: The landing is starting to give away. A couple of ATV tracks ventured out, turned back around in the first 50 yards, and came back to shore. No individuals were seen from the landing, but a stick line was in the water for navigation.
Fisherman’s road.
Reports indicate an ice thickness of 5-8″ of ice. Individuals walking out reported good ice in the morning and softening over the day. As the day progressed, they would break through the first 2 inches of ice, walking back to shore. One ATV was on the ice and stuck in the ice, about 200 yards from shore.
The telltale sign is the lack of individuals on the lake today. It’s not looking good heading into the sturgeon-spearing season.
