STURGEON SPAWNING: The first evidence of endangered lake sturgeon spawning since 2015 was confirmed the weekend of April 23. Just as 7 years ago, spawning was seen below the Mel Price Lock and Dam on the Mississippi River near West Alton, Mo. MDC began a rearing and re-introduction program in 1984 in hopes of recovering the species, which is listed as endangered in Missouri. The fish require 20-30 years to reach reproductive age, but the efforts and the wait are paying off! The very first spawni

Lake sturgeon migrate to their spawning habitat mid-May through June. They spawn in riffles, shallow sections of rivers with fast, tumbling water. The river current washes the gravel stream bottom free of silt and provides oxygen for the eggs. In order to naturally reproduce, sturgeon need a way to reach these quality spawning areas. In 1999, the Minnesota DNR began reconnecting rivers by removing dams and replacing them with natural “rock arch rapids.” Dam modifications create and provide acces