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Fish Identification
Muskellunge (Muskie)
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Fish image provided under agreement from Windsor Nature Discovery, LLC. Fish image created by Ron Pittard.
Scientific Name: Esox Masquinongy Fish Family: Esocidae Other Names: maskinonge, muskallonge, mascalonge, muskie, musky, 'lunge, silver muskellunge, Great Lakes muskellunge, Ohio muskellunge, Allegheny River muskellunge, spotted muskellunge, barred muskellunge, great muskellunge, great pike, blue pike, etc. Occasionally, it is referred to as a "jack" in some areas. Muskellunge (Muskie) Photos: State Fish For: WisconsinIdentification: Silvery background with dark, variable markings,
often as oblique stripes, spots, or blotches, or even
with scarcely any markings. Belly white with small
spots. Fins green to red-brown with dark blotches.
Young (less than 150 ram) with broad scalloped bars
of olive green along sides and gold mid-dorsal stripe
on back; belly white.
Distribution:
The muskellunge occurs in all three drainage basins in Wisconsin (Lake Michigan, Mississippi River, and Lake Superior) but is most widely distributed in the Chippewa, Flambeau, St. Croix, Black, and Wisconsin rivers of the Mississippi basin. Its presence in central and southern Wisconsin is the result of widespread stocking of fry and fingerlings.
Spawning:
Within the north and south limits of the Wisconsin muskellunge range, spawning occurs from mid-April to mid-May, with the peak occurring early in the season. Optimum spawning temperature is about 55º F, but may range from 49 to 60º F. Eggs are usually deposited indiscriminantly over several hundred yards of shoreline. There is no parental care. Adult spawners return to the same spawning ground in consecutive years.
Angling Methods:
The natural home for the musky is in the northern lakes and rivers. It is a solitary fish and lurks in weed beds or other protective cover. Anglers usually have the best luck fishing during the daytime. Large plugs, spoons, and bucktails are the best artificial baits. A live fish bait 10-12 inches long is also good.
State Muskellunge (Muskie) Records:
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