Wisconsin Upriver Lakes sturgeon spearing application: what to do before the Aug. 1 deadline
The Upriver Lakes tag is not an unlimited Lake Winnebago spearing license. It is a limited-entry drawing for Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne and Lake Butte des Morts. This guide explains the $3 application, preference point choice, 500-permit limit, selected vs not selected outcomes, fees, Go Wild steps and common mistakes.
Quick answer: who needs the Upriver Lakes sturgeon application?
You need the Upriver Lakes sturgeon spearing application if you want a chance to spear lake sturgeon on the Upriver Lakes: Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne or Lake Butte des Morts. This fishery is limited to 500 license holders per season, so you cannot simply buy an Upriver Lakes spearing license the way most spearers buy a Lake Winnebago spearing license.
The application or preference point costs $3 and must be completed before the Aug. 1 deadline. If selected, you can purchase the Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing license. That selected license is listed at $20 for Wisconsin residents and $65 for nonresidents.
What this guide covers
Upriver Lakes application picker
Use this helper before opening Go Wild. It does not replace the official checkout, but it helps you choose between applying, buying a preference point, or buying Lake Winnebago instead.
Upriver Lakes sturgeon application key facts
| Topic | Official detail | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Covered waters | Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne and Lake Butte des Morts. | These are the Upriver Lakes. Do not confuse them with Lake Winnebago. |
| Permit limit | 500 license holders per season. | You must apply or use preference points; tags are not unlimited. |
| Why limited? | DNR says Upriver Lakes have a higher success rate, listed as 62% compared with 9% on Lake Winnebago. | Higher success means the fishery needs tighter participation control. |
| Application deadline | Aug. 1 deadline for application or preference point. | Do not wait for winter; the application decision happens months before spearing season. |
| Application cost | $3 for resident and nonresident applicants. | This is not the final spearing license price; it is the entry/preference-point product. |
| Drawing priority | Priority goes to applicants with the most preference points. | Buying points helps future chances. |
| If not selected | You receive a preference point for future drawings. | An unsuccessful application still builds future priority. |
| If selected | You may purchase the Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing license. | Selected applicants should buy and print their tag well before the season. |
Upriver Lakes sturgeon application and license costs
This page includes the price details inside the article so users do not need to leave only to compare basic costs.
| Product | Resident cost | Nonresident cost | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing Application | $3 | $3 | Use before Aug. 1 to enter the drawing or buy a preference point. |
| Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing license | $20 | $65 | Use only after you are selected through the Upriver Lakes drawing. |
| Lake Winnebago Sturgeon Spearing license | $20 | $65 | Use for Lake Winnebago spearing, not Upriver Lakes. Purchase deadline is Oct. 31. |
Upriver Lakes vs Lake Winnebago: the mistake that costs users the season
Both fisheries are part of the Winnebago System sturgeon tradition, but the buying process is different.
| Comparison | Upriver Lakes | Lake Winnebago |
|---|---|---|
| Waters | Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne, Lake Butte des Morts. | Lake Winnebago. |
| License availability | Limited to 500 license holders through a drawing. | Number of licenses is not restricted. |
| Deadline | Apply or buy a preference point before Aug. 1. | Buy license before Oct. 31. |
| Drawing | Yes. Priority goes to applicants with most preference points. | No drawing for normal license availability. |
| If you get an Upriver tag | You use the Upriver Lakes tag for the selected Upriver fishery. | DNR says spearers who receive an Upriver Lakes tag cannot purchase a Lake Winnebago license for that season. |
How the Upriver Lakes drawing and preference points work
The Upriver Lakes tag is issued through a drawing because the fishery has a higher success rate. Preference points are the main priority mechanism.
Use Go Wild or a license sales location to apply for the Upriver Lakes tag or buy a preference point.
Licenses are issued through a drawing where priority is granted to applicants with the most preference points.
The Upriver Lakes fishery is limited to 500 license holders per season.
If selected, you may purchase the Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing license. DNR says there is no post-drawing purchase deadline for successful Upriver applicants, but buying early is still safer.
If not awarded a permit, you accumulate a preference point for future drawings.
You can buy a preference point instead of applying for a tag if you want to build future priority without trying to spear this season.
Group applications: the lowest point total matters
Wisconsin DNR’s Upriver Lakes application releases explain that group applications use the point value of the individual with the lowest preference-point total in the group.
| Group situation | What happens | Practical decision |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone has high points | The group point value remains strong. | A group application may make sense if all members have similar point totals. |
| One person has low points | The whole group is treated by that lowest point total. | Do not casually add a low-point person if the group is trying to maximize drawing priority. |
| Family wants to spear together | A group application may keep the outcome together. | Balance family planning against lower group point priority. |
| One person only wants a point | That person should buy a preference point instead of joining an active tag application. | Keep point-only users separate from the tag application. |
Upriver Lakes application timeline
| Time | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Before Aug. 1 | Apply for an Upriver Lakes tag or buy a preference point. | After the deadline, you generally miss the drawing for that season. |
| After application closes | Wait for the drawing and selection notice. | Only 500 tags are issued. |
| By around Oct. 1 in recent DNR releases | Check whether you were selected. | DNR’s recent annual releases have said selected applicants are notified by Oct. 1 for that season. |
| If selected | Buy the Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing license and print the tag. | Application approval alone is not the same as carrying a valid tag. |
| If not selected | You receive a preference point and may still buy Lake Winnebago before its deadline if eligible. | You can still participate through Lake Winnebago if you act before Oct. 31. |
| Before season opens | Print tag, check ice, review harvest caps and registration station rules. | DNR does not monitor ice safety, and harvest caps can close the season early. |
How to apply on Go Wild
Use these micro steps so the user knows what to click before going to the official portal.
Go to Go Wild. Use only the official site for account login, personal details and payment.
Use your existing DNR customer ID if you already have a Wisconsin license account. New users should create an account first.
Use the purchase-products or license-catalog area and look for sturgeon spearing products.
Choose the $3 application if you want to enter the drawing. Choose the preference point option if you want to build points for a future drawing instead.
For group applications, remember that the group is scored by the lowest point total in the group.
Do not wait until the final day. Account, payment or identity problems can make last-minute applications risky.
Keep your receipt or confirmation so you know whether you applied for a tag or purchased only a preference point.
If you are selected for an Upriver Lakes tag
Selection gives you the right to purchase the Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing license. It is not the same as already having the tag in your pocket.
| Step | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to Go Wild after selection notice. | You need to complete the actual license purchase. |
| 2 | Buy the Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing license. | Resident cost is listed at $20 and nonresident cost at $65. |
| 3 | Print your tag before going on the ice. | DNR reminds spearers that the sturgeon spearing tag must be on their person. |
| 4 | Use only Upriver Lakes registration stations after harvest. | Fish harvested from Poygan, Winneconne or Butte des Morts must be registered at Upriver Lakes registration stations. |
| 5 | Do not buy a Lake Winnebago tag for the same season. | DNR says spearers who receive an Upriver Lakes tag cannot purchase a Lake Winnebago license for that season. |
If you are not selected
An unsuccessful application is not wasted. DNR says applicants who are not awarded a permit accumulate a preference point for future drawings.
| Outcome | What happens | Next best action |
|---|---|---|
| Not selected | You receive a preference point for future Upriver Lakes drawings. | Keep building points or apply again next year. |
| Still want to spear this season | DNR’s annual release says unsuccessful applicants can purchase a Lake Winnebago spearing license. | Buy Lake Winnebago before the Oct. 31 deadline if you want that fishery instead. |
| Only wanted future priority | Preference point improves future drawing position. | Track your point total before joining a group application. |
Age, residency and eligibility reminders
| Requirement | Rule to know | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum spearing age | Minimum spearing age is 12. | The application fee table notes the applicant must be age 12 by the last day of sturgeon season. |
| Youth turning 12 | DNR explains that youth who turn 12 between Nov. 1 and the last day of the spearing season can purchase after the deadline. | Check Go Wild or DNR directly if a youth is close to the age cutoff. |
| Residency | License prices differ for resident and nonresident spearers. | Choose resident only if your Wisconsin residency eligibility is correct in Go Wild. |
| Military exception | DNR notes military personnel home on leave can purchase a spearing license after Oct. 31 for Lake Winnebago situations. | Use official DNR/Go Wild help for military documentation questions. |
Season, harvest caps and registration rules
The Upriver Lakes application only gets you into the drawing. If selected and you harvest a sturgeon, you still need to follow tag, registration, ice and closure rules.
| Rule area | What DNR says | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Season structure | Spearing runs the second Saturday in February for up to 16 consecutive days unless a harvest cap is triggered. | Check current DNR updates during the season, not just your printed dates. |
| Separate harvest caps | DNR sets separate harvest caps for Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Lakes. | Watch Upriver-specific updates if you hold an Upriver tag. |
| Tag on person | The sturgeon spearing tag must be on the spearer’s person. | Print the tag before going onto the ice. |
| Tag validation | The tag must be validated after harvest by tearing off the bottom portion or validation stub. | Validate immediately after a successful spear. |
| Registration deadline | The spearer must be in line at a DNR-operated registration station by 2 p.m. on the day the fish was speared. | Leave enough time for travel from the ice to the correct station. |
| Correct station | Upriver Lakes fish must be registered at one of the Upriver Lakes registration stations. | Do not take a Poygan, Winneconne or Butte des Morts fish to a Lake Winnebago station. |
| Openly exposed fish | A harvested sturgeon must be openly exposed while leaving the ice to register. | Keep the fish visible to a person in a passing vehicle. |
| Ice safety | No ice is 100% safe, and DNR does not monitor ice conditions. | Check local clubs, conservation groups and current local conditions. |
Why Upriver Lakes is limited to 500 tags
DNR explains that the Upriver Lakes fishery has a higher success rate than Lake Winnebago. The listed comparison is 62% average success on the Upriver Lakes compared to 9% on Lake Winnebago. Because success is higher, participation is limited so harvest can stay within biological caps.
More successful spearers mean more harvest pressure per license.
Only 500 Upriver Lakes license holders are selected per season.
Lake Winnebago and Upriver Lakes have separate harvest caps.
Upriver Lakes map reference
Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne and Lake Butte des Morts are the Upriver Lakes for this application guide. Use this map only for orientation; use official DNR and Go Wild resources for legal participation, license and season actions.
Common application mistakes
- Thinking the $3 application is the final spearing license.
- Missing the Aug. 1 application or preference-point deadline.
- Applying for Upriver Lakes when you actually want Lake Winnebago.
- Joining a group application without checking everyone’s point total.
- Forgetting that the group score uses the lowest point total in the group.
- Assuming all unsuccessful applicants are out of options, even though they receive a preference point and may be able to buy Lake Winnebago before Oct. 31.
- Being selected but not purchasing or printing the actual Upriver Lakes license/tag.
- Buying a Lake Winnebago license after receiving an Upriver Lakes tag, even though DNR says Upriver tag holders cannot purchase Lake Winnebago for the same season.
- Taking an Upriver harvest to a Lake Winnebago registration station.
- Ignoring DNR harvest-cap closure updates during the season.
Final checklist before Aug. 1
- Confirm you want to spear on Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne or Lake Butte des Morts.
- Confirm you understand this is a limited-entry drawing, not an unlimited license.
- Decide whether to apply for a tag or buy only a preference point.
- Check your preference-point total before choosing individual or group application.
- For group applications, confirm the lowest-point person will not reduce the group’s strategy.
- Apply or buy the preference point before Aug. 1.
- Save your application or preference-point confirmation.
- Watch for selection notice after the drawing.
- If selected, buy the Upriver Lakes license and print your tag.
- If not selected, remember you receive a preference point and may still buy Lake Winnebago before Oct. 31 if eligible.
Official action links
The useful details are included above so this article does not work like a middleman page. Use the official links only for final actions that must happen on official systems: application, account login, current DNR notices, legal confirmation and final purchase.
Wisconsin Upriver Lakes sturgeon application FAQs
What is the Wisconsin Upriver Lakes sturgeon application?
It is the application or preference-point product used for the limited-entry Upriver Lakes sturgeon spearing drawing. The Upriver Lakes are Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne and Lake Butte des Morts.
What is the deadline for the Upriver Lakes sturgeon application?
The DNR lists an Aug. 1 deadline to apply for an Upriver Lakes tag or buy a preference point.
How much does the Upriver Lakes application cost?
The Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing Application is listed at $3 for residents and nonresidents.
How many Upriver Lakes sturgeon tags are issued?
DNR says the Upriver Lakes fishery is restricted to 500 license holders per season.
Why are Upriver Lakes tags limited?
DNR explains that the Upriver Lakes have a higher success rate than Lake Winnebago, listed as 62% compared with 9% on Lake Winnebago, so participation is limited.
How does the preference point system work?
Drawing priority is granted to applicants with the most preference points. Applicants not selected receive a preference point for use in future drawings.
Can I buy only a preference point?
Yes. Spearers can buy a preference point instead of applying for a tag if they want to build priority for future drawings.
How do group applications work?
DNR’s recent application releases explain that group applications are assigned a point value based on the group member with the lowest preference-point total.
How much is the Upriver Lakes sturgeon spearing license if selected?
The selected Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing license is listed at $20 for Wisconsin residents and $65 for nonresidents.
Can I buy a Lake Winnebago tag if I receive an Upriver Lakes tag?
No. DNR explains that spearers who receive an Upriver Lakes tag cannot purchase a Lake Winnebago license for the same season.
Can I buy Lake Winnebago if I am not selected for Upriver Lakes?
DNR’s annual application releases explain that unsuccessful Upriver applicants receive a preference point and can purchase a Lake Winnebago spearing license if they act before the Lake Winnebago deadline.
What are the Upriver Lakes?
The Upriver Lakes are Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne and Lake Butte des Morts.
What is the minimum age for sturgeon spearing?
DNR lists the minimum spearing age as 12, and the application fee table notes applicants must be age 12 by the last day of sturgeon season.
Is this website the official Wisconsin DNR website?
No. This website is an independent educational guide. Use Wisconsin DNR and Go Wild for final application, purchase, legal requirements, selection results, tag printing and season updates.
Editorial verification
This page was reviewed against official Wisconsin DNR and Go Wild resources on July 14, 2026. The review included the Upriver Lakes sturgeon application deadline, $3 application/preference-point product, Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne and Lake Butte des Morts fishery details, 500-license limit, success-rate reason for the drawing, preference-point rules, group application point handling, selected and not-selected outcomes, resident and nonresident selected-license costs, Lake Winnebago comparison, age notes, tag printing, harvest registration and DNR contact details.
Disclaimer: WisconsinFishingLicense.website is an independent educational website. It is not the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Go Wild, Wisconsin.gov or a government agency. Always verify final application, purchase, eligibility, preference-point total, tag status, harvest rules, registration station and current season updates on official Wisconsin DNR resources.