SPEAR Act of 2025

This bill would change the Endangered Species Act to make an exception for lake sturgeon in Wisconsin. It says the federal wildlife agency cannot add any Wisconsin lake sturgeon population to the threatened or endangered lists. The bill says Wisconsin already manages these fish well—especially in the Lake Winnebago area—with a tightly run spearing season, check-in stations, and strict harvest limits. It also notes this tradition brings people together and supports local small businesses.

Key points

• Who is affected: Wisconsin anglers; local communities near the Winnebago System; conservation and fishing groups; and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
• What changes: The U.S. government could not list any Wisconsin lake sturgeon as threatened or endangered; this adds a specific exception to the law for these fish in Wisconsin.
• When: The text does not give a specific start date.