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Muskellunge

Muskellunge

Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), locally called "muskie," are Maryland's largest freshwater gamefish and among the most challenging to catch, earning the nickname "fish of ten thousand casts."

These apex predators can reach over 50 inches and live more than 20 years.

Scientific Name: Esox masquinongy

Also known as muskie

Physical Characteristics:
  • Torpedo-shaped bodies, duck-bill mouths full of sharp teeth, and 6-9 sensory pores on each side of their lower jaw.
  • Females growing faster and larger than males, reaching the 36-inch minimum size limit around age 5-6.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Maryland's only naturally reproducing muskie population exists in the nontidal Potomac River, primarily in eastern Allegany and Washington Counties.
  • This population is entirely self-sustaining without stocking.

Key Locations

  • Maryland's nontidal Potomac River, primarily in eastern Allegany and Washington Counties.
  • The strongest population occurs between Harpers Ferry, WV and Little Orleans, MD.

Specific Spots

  • Fish deeper pools with reduced current, focusing on areas with wood cover and structure.
  • They prefer larger, deeper river pools with mild current and wood cover.

Muskellunge FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Large crankbaits imitating suckers and fallfish, bucktail spinners (particularly #10 double cowgirl style), and topwater lures. Big baits attract big muskies - use 6+ inch lures when targeting trophy fish over 40 inches.

How do you catch Muskellunge in Maryland?

Always perform figure-eight retrieves at boatside to trigger strikes from fish that follow lures back without hitting. Practice catch-and-release.

What do Muskellunge eat?

Their diet consists primarily of soft-rayed fish like suckers and fallfish, though they'll consume fish up to a third of their body length, as well as frogs, ducklings, and crayfish. Young muskies initially feed on zooplankton before switching to a piscivorous diet at around 40mm length.

Where do Muskellunge live in Maryland?

Maryland's only naturally reproducing muskie population exists in the nontidal Potomac River, primarily in eastern Allegany and Washington Counties. This population is entirely self-sustaining without stocking.

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