Muskellunge (aka - Muskie, Musky)
The muskellunge also known as Musky and Muskie is the Wisconsin State fish. The World Record musky caught from Eau Claire Lake, WI. back in 1954 and weighed 70 lbs. If you have tried to catch a musky before, you will know that it can take a large amount of time to catch one that is actually legal sized. Luckily, you can find muskellunge in the southern and central portions of the state because it has been majorly stocked all over. Muskies are very aggressive eaters so; you will have fun when catching one of these fish on your line. Muskies are solitary so you won’t find them with many other musky nearby. Wisconsin muskellunge are a fun fish to catch; but are very strong so keep caution.
Name: Muskellunge (aka - Muskie, Musky)
Scientific Name: Esox masquinongy
Family: Esocidae
General Description: silver with dark markings, hard muscles, flat nose, huge mouth with strong teeth, average weight-40lbs, average length: around 40 in.
Habitat: lakes and rivers, streams, deep pools in rivers with slow moving water
Spawning/Sexual Maturity: mid april to mid may, 55 degree water temp., no parental care, lay up to 225,000 eggs, lay eggs around shorelines, sexually mature between 5 and 7 years of age.
Diet: other WI fish including muskies, muskrats, ducks, shrews, mice, and frogs
Life Expectancy: up to 8-10 years
Predators: mainly humans and other muskies, large birds
Known Hotspots: Lake Michigan, Mississippi River, Lake Superior, Chippewa River, Wisconsin River
Popular Baits: plugs, spoons, bucktails, live fish baits
Fishing Tournaments:
State Record: 69lbs 11oz, Chippewa Flowage, October 20, 1949
World Record: 70lbs, Eau Claire Lake, Wisconsin, June 6, 1954
Extra Facts: takes average person 50 hours to catch a legal sized muskie, is Wisconsin’s state fish, are aggressive eaters, return to same spawning area every year.
[ Also Checkout Wisconsin Fishing ]
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