Skip to main content

Muskellunge

Muskellunge

Muskellunge are Vermont's only native muskie species, historically found in Lake Champlain and its tributaries. These apex predators are the largest members of the pike family.

Vermont represents the easternmost extent of muskie's native range in North America, making it the only New England state with native muskellunge populations.

Also known as muskie

Physical Characteristics:
  • Capable of reaching 60 inches in length and weighing over 30 pounds.
  • Muskies have distinctive characteristics including 6-9 sensory pores on each side of their lower jaw (versus 5 or less for northern pike) and relatively pointed tail fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Vermont represents the easternmost extent of muskie's native range in North America, making it the only New England state with native muskellunge populations.
  • They are associated with deeper water areas (3-10 feet is optimal), submerged aquatic vegetation, and structure like drop-offs and breaklines.

Key Locations

  • Target the Missisquoi River above and below Swanton Dam, Missisquoi Bay, Otter Creek above and below Vergennes Dam, and Lake Champlain's Vermont waters.
  • Historically found in Lake Champlain and its tributaries, particularly the Missisquoi River and Missisquoi Bay.

Specific Spots

  • Target weed edges, drop-offs, breaklines, and structure in 5-8 feet of water.
  • They are associated with deeper water areas (3-10 feet is optimal), submerged aquatic vegetation, and structure like drop-offs and breaklines.

Muskellunge FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Jerkbaits (7½-inch Phantom soft-tails work well), bucktails, dive-and-rise lures, rubber baits like Bull Dawgs and Medussa swimbaits, and crankbaits. Natural patterns in perch and walleye colors are most effective in clear water.

What flies work for Muskellunge in Vermont?

Large streamers and Game Changer patterns designed by Blane Chocklett, particularly in natural colors like walleye, perch, and sucker patterns that mimic their preferred forage.

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

Prime season runs from late spring through fall, with September through November being most productive as water temperatures drop to the optimal 55°F range.

How do you catch Muskellunge in Vermont?

Trolling is effective for covering water, while casting works well around specific structure. Practice proper catch-and-release techniques including using barbless hooks, minimizing handling time, supporting the fish horizontally, and ensuring proper revival before release.

What do Muskellunge eat?

These ambush predators primarily feed on soft-rayed fish like white bass, suckers, minnows, and perch, with fish comprising 98% of their diet. They prefer cylindrical prey over laterally compressed fish and can consume prey up to one-third their own length. Adult muskies are cannibalistic.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Muskellunge.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Muskellunge water

    Pick Muskellunge and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Muskellunge

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Muskellunge are.

Open the map, filter by Muskellunge, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Vermont licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore Vermont waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.