Muskellunge

Esox masquinongy

Natural-history illustration of a long muskellunge with dark bars and a pointed snout
Reviewed species illustration. Confirm your catch with current state identification resources before keeping fish.

The muskellunge — 'muskie' — is the largest member of the pike family and one of freshwater fishing's ultimate trophies. Dubbed 'the fish of 10,000 casts,' muskie are notoriously difficult to catch, combining extreme size (50+ pounds possible), selective feeding behavior, and the habit of following lures without striking. They're stocked in lakes and rivers across the northern U.S. and are the subject of intense dedication by muskie-specific anglers. A caught muskie, especially over 50 inches, is a career fish.

Catching Tips

Fish large bucktail spinners, glide baits, and large swimbaits on heavy tackle (at least 80lb braid). Muskie follow lures frequently — always execute a figure-8 at boat side to trigger strikes from following fish. Fish weed lines, points, and rocky shoals from late summer through fall when muskie feed most aggressively before winter.

World Record

67.5 lbs
Weight
Lake Court Oreilles, Wisconsin
Location
1949
Year

No stocking events recorded yet for Muskellunge.