Sturgeon Spawning

Sturgeon Spawning in New London, WI

Each year in mid-April to early May, Lake Sturgeon travel upstream to their spawning grounds, giving the public a prime opportunity to see these ancient fish up close.

The paved Sturgeon Trail along Highway X, just west of New London, is a favorite spot for onlookers to view this wonder of nature.

Once the conditions are right and spawning begins, onlookers can view sturgeon up to six feet long from the trail. This incredible sight lasts only for a couple of days, so the window of opportunity to witness this ritual is small.

For the most up-to-date sturgeon spawning report, call the sturgeon hotline number for recorded daily updates: (920) 303-5444.

Sign up for yearly sturgeon spawning email notifications in the New London area here! To request an automated phone call every year, submit your full name and phone number to admin@newlondonchamber.com, or call the New London Tourism office at (920) 982-5822. Please note that your phone number and/or email will remain on our secure notification lists year after year, with the option to unsubscribe at any time.

Want to learn more? Click here to find an infographic with great information about Lake Sturgeon and this yearly event.

When will the sturgeon begin spawning?

Sturgeon spawning is dependent on water temperature and flow. During seasons when water flow is high and temperatures rise slowly, spawning begins when the water temperature reaches 53°F. Alternatively, during seasons when the water flow is low and the temperatures rise more rapidly, the water must reach temperatures of 58°-59° F before spawning will begin.

Sign up for sturgeon spawning email notifications here!

Where can I view the sturgeon spawning?

The Wolf River Sturgeon Trail is a paved trail along Highway X, just two miles west of New London. There is convenient parking on the south side of the river, approximately 1/2 mile from the spawning site.