Sturgeon spawning soon in New London in annual spring ritual
UPDATE: As of April 15, 2026, water levels on the Wolf River are too dangerous for the DNR to monitor the status of the lake sturgeon spawn at sites within the drainage. Check the DNR website for updates. There has been a report of sturgeon spawning in the flooded waters of someone's front yard!
It’s almost here! Sometime between mid-April and early May, when the water temperature rises to between 54 and 64 degrees, Winnebago Lake sturgeon begin their trek to their spawning site. Sturgeon spawning is one of Wisconsin’s greatest natural treasures.
Sturgeon travel nearly 80 miles as they migrate from Lake Winnebago through the Winneconne, Poygan, and Butte des Morts lakes before swimming up the Wolf River to reach the New London area and further upstream to Shawano.
The lake sturgeon, also known as the rock sturgeon, is a bottom feeder that lives in temperate freshwater. It is also referred to as a “living fossil” or “dinosaur fish” because it has been around in the same form for roughly 150 million years. These ancient fish can grow up to six feet long.
Males typically live for 55 years, and females can live for 80 to 150 years. Sturgeon may not begin spawning until they are 15 to 25 years old and spawn every four years on average.
Lake sturgeon reproduce by swimming in circles around each other and shaking violently. The male stops circling when he has released his sperm. The female then lays her eggs. Females lay anywhere from two to three million eggs per season.
New London and Shiocton have great local viewing spots. The Wolf River Sturgeon Trail on Hwy X west of New London is a popular location. Also in New London is Pfeifer Park on the Embarras River. Bamboo Bend in Shiocton on County Highway 54 is another great place for viewing.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) warns that the spawn is unpredictable. You can check live updates on the DNR website or contact the New London Tourism office for spawning alerts.
