Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
Known as the 'fish of 10,000 casts,' the muskellunge is the apex freshwater predator of North American waters. Found in the Great Lakes, large northern rivers, and select inland lakes across the upper Midwest and Northeast, a trophy muskie is the ultimate accomplishment for dedicated anglers.
Seasonal Activity
Jan
Off season
Feb
Off season
Mar
Off season
Apr
Off season
May
Off season
Jun
Good
Jul
Good
Aug
Good
Sep
Prime
Oct
Prime
Nov
Good
Dec
Off season
Best Techniques
- casting large bucktails
- trolling big crankbaits
- glide baits
- figure-8 at boatside
Top Baits
- large bucktails
- jerkbaits
- glide baits
- live suckers
- topwater
State Records
Official rod & reel records by state. Log your catch to see how you compare.
| State | Weight | Length | Angler | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NY | 69.94 lb | — | Arthur Lawton | 1957 | St. Lawrence River |
| WI | 69.69 lb | — | Cal Johnson | 1949 | Chippewa Flowage |
| MI | 58 lb | 59 in | — | 2012 | Lake Bellaire |
| OH | 55.13 lb | — | Joe D. Lykins | 1972 | Piedmont Lake |
| PA | 54.19 lb | — | Lewis Walker Jr. | 1924 | Conneaut Lake |
| VA | 45.5 lb | — | Shannon Hill | 2007 | New River |
| IN | 42.5 lb | — | Darrin Conley | 2002 | James Lake |
| IL | 37.81 lb | — | Chris Kim | 1997 | Shabbona Lake |
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