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Muskellunge

Muskellunge

Muskellunge in New Jersey are apex predators and the largest member of the pike family. New Jersey has 15 muskellunge waters total (10 lakes, 2 rivers, 3 reservoirs), with 9 containing indigenous populations and 6 from introductions.

Also known as Muskies

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by an elongated body, duck-bill shaped snout, and razor-sharp teeth.
  • They typically reach 28-48 inches but can exceed 50 inches - the current New Jersey state record weighed 42 pounds, 13 ounces from the Delaware River.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer clear water with extensive vegetation, particularly areas with bulrushes, pickerelweed, water lilies, and arrowleaf in depths ranging from shallow weed beds to 40 feet deep.

Key Locations

  • The most productive waters are the Delaware River (from Delaware Water Gap north to Port Jervis), Greenwood Lake, Monksville Reservoir, and Echo Lake Reservoir.
  • On the Delaware River, use public launches at Delaware Water Gap, Smithfield Beach, Bushkill, and Dingman's Ferry.
  • Trophy muskie waters include Echo Lake Reservoir, Greenwood Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Monksville Reservoir.

Specific Spots

  • Muskies are ambush predators that lurk around stumps, rock bars, rocky ledges, and downed timber.
  • Target slack water areas on the Delaware River downstream of islands, below shoals, rocky points and bars, inside river bends, tributary junctions, bridge abutments, and areas with downed timber.

Muskellunge FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Muskellunge in New Jersey?

Top lure choices include large jerkbaits (considered most effective), crankbaits, surface lures, spinners, and bucktails in the 8-13 inch range.

What flies work for Muskellunge in New Jersey?

Effective fly patterns include large streamers with bucktail, deer hair, and synthetic materials in fire-tiger, perch, natural colors for clear water, and bright patterns for cloudy conditions.

When is the best time to fish for Muskellunge in New Jersey?

Best from late spring through fall, starting when water temperatures reach the mid-60°F range and peak activity occurs in May-June and September-October. They spawn in early spring when water temperatures reach 50-60°F (late March through May) - this is a time to avoid targeting them.

How do you catch Muskellunge in New Jersey?

Always perform figure-8 motions at boat-side after each cast, keeping the lure 3 feet deep through at least 3 rotations.

What do Muskellunge eat?

Muskies are voracious predators feeding on chubs, suckers, carp, eels, and can consume prey up to one-third their body length.

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New Jersey licenses and regulations

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