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Muskellunge

Muskellunge

Muskellunge in Missouri are not native to the state but have been successfully stocked since 1966, creating excellent trophy fisheries. These fish are the largest members of the pike family.

Missouri's muskie populations are entirely dependent on annual stocking as they do not reproduce naturally in Missouri waters due to high summer temperatures and other environmental factors.

Also known as muskies

Physical Characteristics:
  • commonly reaching 36-45 inches with potential up to 48 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Being located south of their native range, Missouri muskies face thermal stress during summer months when water temperatures can eliminate suitable habitat, with their upper lethal limit near 90°F.

Key Locations

  • The state currently manages five lakes for muskies: Pomme de Terre Lake (the flagship fishery), Hazel Creek Lake, Fellows Lake, Henry Sever Lake, and Lake 35 at Busch Conservation Area.

Specific Spots

  • They inhabit shorelines, drop-offs, submerged points and islands, docks, brush piles, standing timber, and open water areas when following schools of gizzard shad.
  • During summer thermal stratification, they tend to go deeper to find suitable water temperatures.
  • Target areas include brush piles (41 marked piles at Pomme de Terre Lake), timber near deep water, stump fields, and offshore humps.

Muskellunge FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include large artificial baits 5-10 inches long weighing 1-3 ounces, such as large bucktail spinnerbaits, 8-inch Rapala Shad Raps, Magnum Wiggle Warts, and deep-diving crankbaits.

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

The best fishing seasons for Missouri muskies are late September through November and March through mid-June, with autumn being prime time for trophy fish. Summer fishing is discouraged due to high water temperatures causing stress and mortality in released fish.

How do you catch Muskellunge in Missouri?

Master the 'figure-eight' technique at boatside - when retrieving lures to within a foot of the rod tip, plunge the rod into water and make large figure-eight motions to trigger strikes from following muskies.

What do Muskellunge eat?

Muskies are ambush predators that feed primarily on soft-rayed fish including gizzard shad, common carp, suckers, and buffalo. Young muskies eat minnows and small gizzard shad, while adults prefer larger prey up to 20% of their own body weight.

Where do Muskellunge live in Missouri?

Being located south of their native range, Missouri muskies face thermal stress during summer months when water temperatures can eliminate suitable habitat, with their upper lethal limit near 90°F.

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