Sturgeon Spearing On Lake Winnebago
Sturgeon Spearing Tradition Since the 1950s
The propane heater hums softly as it warms the inside of the shanty. But outside, the February wind sweeps across the frozen expanse of Lake Winnebago. Inside, my father sits gazing into the dark hole in the ice, just as he has since he was a boy in the 1950s. He says there’s something sacred about this moment—the quiet, the waiting, the contemplating. I’ve always found his stories inspiring, but it’s not just the tradition of sturgeon spearing that moves me. It’s the way he embraces it and uses these still moments to reflect on life and his gratitude. His voice is steady as he shares memories and his deep respect he holds for the lake and its history. Watching him, I see not just a fisherman but a man who carries a lifetime of wisdom and love, a father whose presence—much like the waters below—is vast, steady, and full of stories waiting to surface. Now, with a notebook in hand, I ask him what sturgeon spearing means to him.
Meet Red...
Red has been sturgeon spearing since he was a boy in the 1950s and hasn't missed a single year on Lake Winnebago since then.
The odds of spearing this prehistoric fish are slim, but that doesn’t deter him.
The truth is, Red isn’t too concerned about spearing a sturgeon.
For him, it’s more about connecting with life-long friends and family. After all, it’s not often that you’ll get a Salchert’s liver sausage sandwich delivered to your shanty door or that you’ll get to pass the blackberry brandy around for one more Schluck. For Red, this is a time to cherish and celebrate, whether or not a sturgeon is speared.
Red loves to socialize.
The conversations and camaraderie are his favorite part of sturgeon spearing. Of course, all the stories and laughter would make anyone thirsty and hungry. Red enjoys having a cool one to compliment his raw beef and onions.
But once Red sits on his 5-gallon bucket and begins to stare into the ice hole, he contemplates seriously.
Alone in the small, dark shanty, gratitude rises to the surface of Red’s thoughts. He thinks about all the things he treasures: five grandchildren, two daughters and a beautiful wife. Red is grateful for his life.
What do you think about in your shanty?
We'd love to hear your thoughts so comment below.
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A Portrait of Red was on Exhibition at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts.
The Fish of Legends exhibition ran during Fond du Lac's annual Sturgeon Spectacular event. Sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago is an event everyone should experience at least once.
I invite you along on this journey of 100 Blog Posts in 100 Days
There will be times of triumph and times of struggle, but I will show up through it all.
46/100
Day 47: Odeon Of Herodes Theatre
Resources
- Lake Winnebago
- Dad's favorite Carhartt overalls
- Salchert Meats
- Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
Beautiful – made me feel like I was part of the experience!
Thank you, Juliane! I appreciate all the support you’ve given me over the last year 🙂
My pleasure and right back at you!
Laura, this is such a heartfelt story of your dad, shed a couple tears. Hoping to get to the Thelma to see it.
You’re too kind, Barb. I’m happy you enjoyed the story. I shed a couple tears when I wrote it, too. Fish of Legends will be on exhibition at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts until February 15th. Then, our Illuminating Women exhibition will open February 20th 🙂
Tradition at it’s best! LOVE these photos and the 40+ year old friendships they display. Thanks for capturing the gentlemen in their element!
Thanks, Kim! It was SO much fun, they sure have a good time together.