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Saturday, February 21, 2009

Spearers take 1,512 sturgeon in Fox Valley lakes

From JsOnline


By Don Behm of the Journal Sentinel

Feb. 21, 2009 6:02 p.m. | The 2009 sturgeon spearing season closed today after spearers took a total of 1,512 of the fish from lakes Winnebago, Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts.

The count included 301 juveniles, 596 males and 615 adult females, which was 97.6% of the 630 quota for adult females allowed this season, said Ron Bruch, sturgeon biologist with the state Department of Natural Resources. The season opened Feb. 14.

Spearers took 89 sturgeon on Lake Winnebago today before the season closed at 12:30 p.m., Bruch said. The lake's season total of 1,237 sturgeon fell below the record of 1,854 set in 2004.

"A snowstorm and strong winds created white-out conditions on Lake Winnebago today," he said. "But that didn't stop large numbers of dedicated sturgeon spearers from driving out on the ice to their shacks this morning."

The season on lakes Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts ended Wednesday. Spearers took 275 sturgeon from those lakes this season.

Monday, February 16, 2009

News

Some Items of Interest:

1.) The Milwaukee Journal had an article today that discussed controlling the water flows through the dams on the Oconomowoc River Chain. After last year's massive flooding, the issue again has returned. Personally, I'm not sure how they hope to fix the problem with the dams built the way they are. The Okauchee/Oconomowoc dam and the Fowler/Lac Labelle dam are designed to only hold back so much water. The Okauchee dam can be opened to increase flow when neccessary, but that wouldn't have changed the downriver effects much with all the water last year.

Either way, here's a cut and paste link to the article:
http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/39646342.html

2.)I'm doing some garage cleaning and I have several bass and musky combos I'd like to sell. They're all st croix rods with abu garcia or shimano reels. A couple have never been used. If you want more information, please email me and I'll send you a complete list.

3.)Looks like this weather is going to slow down the transition to open water. Two things. First be carfeul when on the ice after the fresh snow as it may cover up some old holes or stress cracks. Second, since we'll be ice fishing a few more weeks, now would be a great time to stock up on ice fishing gear at the shop.

4.)The open water fishing that's available right now appears to be surprisingly consistent. The open water areas on the wisconsin river below the dams in the dells and at petenwell are producing fish for guys willing to put in the time. Large ice flows are still reported, and I'll make sure to keep you updated on conditions as information comes to me.

5.) For those of you who asked, Kelly will be having the baby next week. Its our second, and I can't wait to meet my daughter Quinn. Big brother Shannon, my son, also seems excited.

Good Luck and stay safe,
CT