Identifying characteristics:

COMMON NAMES: Muskellunge, Muskie

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Esox masquinongy

IDENTIFICATION: Muskellunge are long, slender fish with a large duckbill shaped mouth and needle sharp teeth. The dorsal fin is soft and located near the tail. In contrast to Northern pike and chain pickerel, only the upper half of the cheek and ear flap, or opercle, have scales.

RANGE AND HABITAT: The muskellunge is native to Michigan and is found in both major drainage basins of the state. Historically, it was abundant in the bays and tributaries of  Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, Lake St Clair, Lake Huron, Lake Superior and Inland streams. Currently, it is also found in several impoundments around the state. Prime muskellunge habitat is found in heavily vegetated lakes with lots of tree stumps and bays. Prime stream muskellunge habitat is generally considered to be long pools (at least 0.2 miles in length) with a minimum depth of at least 3 to 4 feet and an abundance of submerged woody structure.

LIFE HISTORY: Muskellunge usually spawn in April and early May when water temperatures are in the low to mid-50s. Females will drop as many as 200,000 eggs on soft shallow substrate where they adhere to vegetation and other objects. After hatching, young muskellunge feed on microscopic animals. Adult muskellunge prefer soft-rayed fish such as suckers and gizzard shad as prey.

ADULT SIZE: Typically, male muskellunge range from 28-48 inches long and weigh from 3 to 21 pounds. Females can range from 22 to 50 inches in length and weigh from of 5-36 pounds. The state record muskie is 51-inch inches long and weighed 40-pound, 11-oz pounds,

FISHING METHODS: Bait casting and trolling are the most popular ways to catch Ohio muskies. A great variety of lures are used successfully, including pikie minnows, bombers, daredevils, spoons and various spinners and artificial worms. Casting to the edge of vegetation beds and submerged cover and using a fast retrieve is often productive. Trolling with deep running lures, like the bomber, during the summer months takes numerous muskies. Muskies are strong fighters and provide a great thrill to anyone lucky enough to hook one.