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Muskellunge

Muskellunge

Muskellunge are Minnesota's largest member of the pike family and the apex predator in many of the state's waters. Known as the "fish of 10,000 casts," they can grow to 50+ pounds and over 54 inches in length.

Scientific Name: Esox masquinongy

Physical Characteristics:
  • They can grow to 50+ pounds and over 54 inches in length.
  • Muskellunge are distinguished from northern pike by having 6 or more sensory pores on each side of the lower jaw versus 5 or fewer for pike.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Minnesota has both native muskellunge populations and stocked populations, with fish found in 102 lakes across the state - 44 of which are native waters and 58 are stocked waters.

Key Locations

  • Key Minnesota waters include Lake Vermilion, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, Lake Minnetonka, Lake Bemidji, and the Mississippi River system.
  • The state also manages several river systems including the Mississippi, St.
  • Croix, and Big Fork rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Muskellunge prefer habitat along weed edges, rocky shoals, points dropping to deeper water, shallow weedy bays, areas around islands, sunken reefs, and shallow sand flats.
  • Focus efforts on weed edges, deep points, mid-lake structures, and areas with current breaks on rivers.

Muskellunge FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Casting large artificial lures 5-10+ inches long using bucktail spinners, large crankbaits, topwater lures with propellers, and soft plastic tube jigs.

What flies work for Muskellunge in Minnesota?

articulated streamers, large bucktail flies, topwater poppers, and creature patterns imitating frogs or small mammals.

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

Minnesota's muskellunge season runs from early June through early December, with fishing typically heating up in mid to late summer when water temperatures reach the upper 60s to low 70s.

How do you catch Muskellunge in Minnesota?

Casting large artificial lures 5-10+ inches long is the most popular technique. Always execute a figure-eight at the boat since muskellunge frequently follow lures without striking. Trolling with large diving crankbaits along weedlines and structure is also effective.

What do Muskellunge eat?

They exhibit diverse diets, consuming prey from 26 different groups including yellow perch, white suckers, cisco, bullheads, crayfish, frogs, birds, and aquatic invertebrates. Most prey is less than one-third of their total length, though they can consume prey up to 50% of their length.

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