Observing the Sturgeon

When the temperature is just right, the sturgeon start their spawning, and because sturgeon are fascinating to look at, we went to observe their mating ritual.

Sturgeon spawning

During mid-April to early May, Lake Sturgeon travel upstream to their spawning grounds, giving the public a prime opportunity to see these ancient ones up close.
Sturgeon spawning is dependent on water temperature and flow. During seasons when water flow is high and water temperatures rise slowly, spawning begins when water temperature reaches 53 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, during seasons of low water flow and more rapid water temperature rise, spawning does not begin until water temperatures reach 58-59 degrees Fahrenheit.  (taken from WI-DNR)

Phoebe took this photo of some sturgeon spawning. They roll, and splash around and do what they need to do to make more sturgeon. I don't know if these are females laying their eggs, or males fertilizing the eggs. They like the rocks close to shore, which makes for good observation of them. Sturgeon can get up to nine feet long. These here are about 4-5 ft.
It was interesting to watch. Hundreds of the prehistoric fish can be up and down the shoreline which can bring hundreds of people out to watch. It's one of our cheap thrills here in Wisconsin. :-)