125-Year-Old Lake Sturgeon: The Largest Fish Caught in the U.S. and the Oldest Freshwater Fish Ever Recorded Worldwide
A remarkable fish has shattered numerous records in Wisconsin. Officials from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently captured an extraordinary lake sturgeon on the Wolf River near Shawano. Measuring a staggering 87.5 inches in length and weighing over 240 pounds, this fish is believed to be the largest lake sturgeon ever caught in the United States. It’s estimated that this specimen, with its age of approximately 125 years, could possibly be the oldest freshwater fish ever recorded.
After being tagged by the DNR fisheries crew, the colossal sturgeon was released back into the water to complete its crucial spawning cycle. The DNR conducts annual tagging and releasing efforts as part of their population research, and the Lake Winnebago system boasts one of the most significant lake sturgeon populations worldwide.
Moreover, to aid sturgeon restoration initiatives in various regions of Wisconsin and other states, some of the fish’s eggs and milt are collected. Recent data suggests that the sturgeon population in the Lake Winnebago system is thriving, with an increasing number of fish reaching maturity.
This record-breaking female sturgeon has witnessed significant historical events throughout its long life. Sturgeon biologist Ron Bruch compiled a timeline to provide context to the fish’s incredible journey:
- 1887: The sturgeon hatches, coinciding with Grover Cleveland’s presidency and the opening of Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show in London.
- 1914: At 27 years old, the fish embarks on its first spawning run. This year also marks the beginning of World War I due to events in Europe.
- 1915: Wisconsin enacts a statewide closure on sturgeon harvest to safeguard the population.
- 1932: The fish, now 45 years old, witnesses the first modern spearing season on Lake Winnebago. Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic.
- 1945: In its 58th year, the sturgeon completes its eighth spawning run, coinciding with the end of World War II.
- 1969: At 82 years old, the fish has lived through 38 spearing seasons on Lake Winnebago and 10 seasons on the Upriver Lakes. This year also marks Neil Armstrong’s historic moonwalk.
- 1990: Sturgeon biologist Dan Folz retires, succeeded by Ron Bruch, while the Soviet Union dissolves.
- 2012: The fish, now 125 years old, undergoes its 25th spawning run and is captured by DNR crews at the Shawano dam. Ron Bruch’s successor, Ryan Koenigs, is appointed as sturgeon biologist.
Although this lake sturgeon holds the title for the largest ever caught in the United States and likely the oldest fish ever recorded, it’s worth noting that even larger sturgeons exist in Canadian waters. As exemplified by the astonishing photograph captured by Yves Bisson Sturgeon Co., these giants continue to roam beneath the surface.
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