STURGEON FISHING
lake sturgeon fishing on the Wisconsin River

Once a year, my buddy Frank and I spend a couple of days to do a little lake sturgeon fishing on the Wisconsin River, north of Madison.  For 1998, we set aside Friday and Saturday on October 9-10, and had a most productive time.  We made it to the river by 7:30 AM, bought our customary flat of nightcrawlers (500 of 'em! - we were expecting a third person), got our sturgeon tags and  hit the heavily foggy waters by 8.  Frank drew first blood at about 10 AM, with a nice 53 incher.

After a 15 minute battle, the legal fish (50" minimum in Wisconsin) was photographed and released.  Neither one of us could picture ourselves cleaning one of these grand old prehistoric fish.  The rest of the day yielded some drum and a couple of walleyes, all of which we released.

It was towards evening that Ms. Sturgeon struck again.  This time she struck my line, and after two spectacular leaps and a 20 minute battle, the fish finally came to the boat. The fish measured 57 inches long and judging by its girth, we guessed that it was an egg-laden female -- it was a porker!  What a day--two legal fish.  If we would have kept these fish, our sturgeon fishing would be over for the season!

This fish measured 49 inches, and actually gave a stronger fight than Frank's 53 inch fish, complete with long bull-dogging runs.  A couple of pics, and back she went.  This fish concluded our two days of fishing.  I did fish up somebody's Ambassador 5500C and pistol-grip rod, which was rigged for sturgeon, without the fish.  A sure victim of a yank-in.  The funny thing is, a week later Frank's freind Laurie, who lives nearby and fishes the river, described the outfit to a T!  What are the odds of that?!?  It was a great weekend--anybody need any nightcrawlers?

Tackle and technique:  We use heavy tackle, either large capacity spinning reels with 15 to 20 lb. test, or musky baitcasting outfits with 25 to 30 lb. test.  Stout hooks in size 1/0 - 2/0 (not trebles) should be sufficient, held down by 1 ounce sliding sinkers.  Then thread on the worms, between two and four of 'em.  Prepare to rebait often, as the drum may do a shred number on your gob.  You may also pick up an occasional bonus walleye.  As far as landing the fish, we just grab it by the tail and hoist 'em in.  On the Wisconsin River, anglers are allowed three rods apiece, so the tactic is to lay out a gauntlet of baits downstream from the boat.  Watch your rod tips carefully, as many a rod has been yanked in the water.  The baitcasting reels I used have a clicker you can engage, an ideal "alarm" feature for free spool mode.

Other equipment:  Bring rain gear, even without any sign of rain, as it makes a great windbreaker to protect from bone-chilling October breezes.  And your LICENSE - the DNR will check on you.  Other obvious items include sunscreen, sandwiches, munchies, fruit, water, sody pops and a thermos of coffee.  Its surprising how much fuel it takes to sit on your butt for 10 hours!