Sturgeon on Display!
Apr 19th, 2016 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Apr 19th, 2016 at 12:00 AM
Crosslake, MN (April 19, 2016) – The dinosaurs are back! And they’re now alive and on display in many of North America’s rivers.
Perhaps predating T-Rex, a real-life aquatic giant was already haunting the world’s great waterways beginning about 200 million years ago. Proving the resiliency of the species, the lake sturgeon is today recovering and in fine shape in many larger river systems, following decades of over fishing during the early 20th century.
Today, new technology is allowing folks from around the globe to observe these fascinating fish from their computer or hand-held device.
An online resource called WolfRiverCam.com provides live underwater streaming of Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago system, tracking spring spawning runs of walleyes as well as colossal lake sturgeon. Placing an Aqua-Vu underwater viewing system at strategic locations in the Wolf River, site owner Gary Bunnell gives folks the opportunity to witness freshwater fish in their natural environment from six carefully chosen sites.
“The hydraulics and current at the Shawano Dam are incredible,” says Bunnell. “In my experience, the only camera durable and reliable enough to handle the environment is an Aqua-Vu. Gigantic sturgeon batter the camera constantly as they traverse the river. Not only is the Aqua-Vu durable, it’s extremely reliable. I need something I don’t have to check on constantly, and these units perform year after year.”
Bunnell reports that the sturgeon spawn is happening now, providing one of the rarest and most interesting underwater spectacles in freshwater. Growing to over six feet in length and up to 200 pounds, female lake sturgeon can live up to 150 years, while males live about 50.
Bunnell says sturgeon in the Wolf River begin spawning at around 52-degrees Fahrenheit, travelling around 120 miles to their spawning sites. Surprisingly, most female sturgeon spawn just once every 4 to 6 years. While carefully regulated angling occurs on select U.S. Rivers, folks in Wisconsin are also allowed to target lake sturgeon through the ice, harvesting one fish annually via spear during February.
“They’re amazing fish,” adds Bunnell. “Most folks will never see one in the wild. But the Wolf River Cam resource lets us witness lake sturgeon and their behaviors in live underwater color.”
About Outdoors Insight, Inc.
Creator of Aqua-Vu, the original Underwater Viewing System, Outdoors Insight, Inc. has led the underwater camera category in design, innovation and quality since 1997. The Central Minnesota based company builds many popular outdoors products, such as the iBall Trailer Hitch Camera (iballhitchcam.com) and Odor Check Moisture and Odor Control System (odorcheck.com) featuring Scent-Lok Technology. For more information on Aqua-Vu, visit www.aquavu.com.