Richard Braasch
People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish
People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish a tale of the cultural and scientific history of an iconic Wisconsin fish, the lake sturgeon. Throughout the process of writing the book, the authors interviewed community activists, sturgeon spearing enthusiasts, spear and decoy craftsmen, and scientific researchers associated with the Lake Winnebago sturgeon population. Because of the cultural, social, economic, and scientific knowledge captured in these interviews, the UW-Madison Wisconsin Water Library preserved the audio files as a collection of oral histories. This collection, People of the Sturgeon, encapsulates perspectives on lake sturgeon as they are reflected in the book.
The People of the Sturgeon collection includes interviews with outdoorsmen, scientists, and craftsmen associated with the Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, lake sturgeon population.
Collection compiled by the UW-Madison Wisconsin Water Library. Audio courtesy of the Oshkosh Public Museum. Recordings were collected as part of the research for People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish published by Wisconsin Historical Society Press, Madison, WI.
National Capital Contracting
Richard Braasch, born in 1935, hails from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and comes from a family of five children. His parents were of German descent, and his father worked at Winnebago State Hospital while also being a handyman mechanic. Braasch's mother was a homemaker who worked part-time at Fernau’s Roadside Market during the summer. Braasch grew up near Lake Winnebago, where he developed a passion for fishing, hunting, and swimming. He began sturgeon fishing with his father at the age of nine and has been an active member of the Sturgeon for Tomorrow organization. Braasch has been involved in spearfishing and has contributed significantly to the conservation and management of sturgeon populations in Wisconsin. He has been instrumental in establishing the Sturgeon for Tomorrow Chapter in Oshkosh and has dedicated years to working with the state and the organization.
Scope and Content Note
Richard Braasch is interviewed by Dick Ristow about his experiences sturgeon fishing. Richard provides an in-depth look into the cultural practice of sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin. He shares detailed accounts of his personal experiences, techniques, and the communal aspects of sturgeon fishing. The content covers a wide range of topics, including the preparation and use of equipment such as spears, chainsaws for cutting ice, and the construction of shanties. Braasch offers insights into the costs associated with sturgeon spearing equipment and the importance of proper attire for the activity. He emphasizes the significance of water clarity, ice conditions, and preferred locations for spearing, specifically noting his preference for fishing in areas with mud bottoms. The interview also delves into Braasch's process for making sturgeon caviar, his method for smoking fish, and his involvement in conservation efforts through Sturgeon for Tomorrow. Additionally, Braasch discusses the challenges posed by changing ice conditions on Lake Winnebago and the impact of these changes on the spearing season. Richard discusses good years and bad years for spearing, old models for decoys, and the fact that most people used to hand make all of their spearing supplies. The interview serves as a comprehensive resource on the traditions, techniques, and community aspects of sturgeon spearing, highlighting Braasch's deep connection to and expertise in this unique fishing practice.
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