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Muskellunge

Muskellunge

Muskellunge in Iowa are apex predators that can reach lengths over 50 inches and weigh more than 50 pounds, with the state record being a 50-pound, 6-ounce fish from Spirit Lake.

Iowa's muskellunge fishery is primarily sustained through stocking since natural reproduction is very low or non-existent in most waters.

Physical Characteristics:
  • These elongated, moderately compressed fish differ from other pike by having the upper half of cheeks and opercles lightly scaled while the lower portion remains scaleless, plus 6-9 pores along each side of the lower jaw.
  • Their coloration varies from olive to dark gray with dark spots or bars on a light background.
  • Can reach lengths over 50 inches and weigh more than 50 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in Iowa Great Lakes, numerous reservoirs, and various rivers throughout Iowa.

Key Locations

  • They're found in Iowa Great Lakes (Big Spirit, West and East Okoboji, Clear Lake), plus numerous reservoirs including Big Creek, Brushy Creek, Pleasant Creek, Lake Macbride, Black Hawk Lake, and various rivers including the Mississippi, Des Moines, Cedar, Iowa, and Shell Rock rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow bays and upper reservoir arms, fish weedlines, especially areas with emergent vegetation like bulrush and around boat docks.
  • Prime locations include weedlines near drop-offs, rock reefs, spillways below dams, and areas with structure like submerged humps and artificial fish attractors.

Muskellunge FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Muskellunge in Iowa?

Essential lures include crankbaits (6-12 inches), spinnerbaits/bucktails, jerkbaits, glide baits, and large soft plastics. Large jigs with 6-inch twister tails, topwater baits, deep-diving crankbaits. Match lure colors to local forage species.

When is the best time to fish for Muskellunge in Iowa?

Iowa muskies are best targeted outside the closed season on Iowa Great Lakes (Big Spirit, East and West Okoboji) which runs December 1-May 20. In spring after water temperatures rise above the mid-60s post-spawn, target shallow bays and upper reservoir arms.

How do you catch Muskellunge in Iowa?

In spring use sight-fishing techniques using large jigs with 6-inch twister tails. Summer tactics include fast retrieves and 'burning' baits in warm water, working topwater baits over weed beds, and trolling at 4-8 mph with lures 10-60 feet behind the boat.

What do Muskellunge eat?

They're strictly carnivorous, feeding on perch, suckers, shiners, frogs, crayfish, large water insects, and occasionally ducklings and small mammals. Young muskies start with zooplankton but switch to fish after reaching 35-40mm.

Where do Muskellunge live in Iowa?

Found in Iowa Great Lakes, numerous reservoirs, and various rivers throughout Iowa.

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