It’s Spear Madness! Welcome to Sturgeon Spearing 2025! Not a spearer? We have your Sturgeon crawl planned for places to stop and check out the fun! Buckle up those bibs, it’s going to be a fun weekend!
We had the chance to meet Scott, Owner of Jerry’s Bar in Oshkosh, and learn more about the history behind Sturgeon Spearing in Oshkosh. Jerry’s became a part of the Sturgeon Spearing hub in the late 60’s/early 70’s back when the biggest sturgeons were around 100lbs. With the current record of 212lbs within the Winnebago System, these sturgeons are only getting bigger! Jerry’s is one of the many Sturgeon Spearing hangouts where fishermen get a chance to hang their fish, chat with other fisherman, and enjoy the Sturgeon Spearing atmosphere!
According to the Wisconsin DNR, "The Winnebago system is home to one of the largest lake sturgeon populations in North America and hosts a unique winter spear fishery" (WI DNR).
The 2025 Sturgeon Spearing season starts Saturday, February 8th, 2025 ending Monday, Feb. 23rd (unless the season is shortened by reaching one of the harvest quotas). Join in on the 16 days of fishing!
Check out what’s happening at these Sturgeon Spear hangouts this weekend:
Wendt’s on the Lake
N9699 Lakeshore Dr, Van Dyne, WI 54979
Stop by Wendt’s on the Lake before you head out to spear! Although -- Wendt's is the perfect place for you if you are a Sturgeon Spearer or a Sturgeon Spectator. With bloody mary's and screwdrivers galore, you can't go wrong here! Enjoy breakfast burritos and sausage/egg muffins on opening weekend!
TJ’s Harbor
7098 US-45, Oshkosh, WI 54902
Don’t wanna spear without a beer? Stop by TJ’s Harbor on Saturday and enjoy a cold one inside or at their outdoor pavilion bar! Plus enjoy bloody mary flights on Saturdays and Sundays, or check out their new wood fired pizza oven offerings and an indoor golf simulator!
Jerry's Bar
1210 Ceape Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54901
The hub for generations of Sturgeon Spearing is right here in Oshkosh! Enjoy the Sturgeon Spearing excitement and stop by Jerry's Bar on Ceape for a guaranteed good time! The place will be filled with plenty of fishing stories, refreshments and a ton of history! Learn more about Jerry's Bar here!
Sturgeon Spirits
2663 Oregon St, Oshkosh, WI
Stop by Sturgeon Spirits Craft Distillary and join the fun in the tasting room to kick off the beginning of spearing season! Ross Catterton will be back to play in the tasting room from 6-8pm!
PLUS! Stock the Shanty -- our biggest sale of the year -- buy 2 bottles get 1 free!
1934 S Commercial St, Neenah, WI
Want to be apart of a fishing club on Lake Winnebago? Payne's Point Hook & Spear Fishing Club, Inc. is the club for you. Join the fun on opening weekend at Payne's Point Fisheree - celebrating 46 years!
Live Music, Fisheree Raffles, Heated Tent, Fun Food and Drinks, Win Prizes -- and more!
If you didn’t have plans for this weekend, you do now! Tag us along in your adventures and keep an eye out for the fish that will be hanging throughout the city! Not many cities get to experience this tradition, so let's enjoy it Oshkosh!
Stay the night in Oshkosh—click here for overnight options!
