The great and powerful muskie
The muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), also known as muskie, is a large predatory freshwater fish that is native to Ohio. Mature fish weigh from 7 to over 30 pounds and have an average length of 29 to 43 inches. They are a member of the pike family (Esocidae), and have a green, yellow, and brown coloration with dark stripes. A key distinguishing feature that sets them apart from other members of the pike family is that only half of their cheek has scales. (2,3)
Muskies are long and narrow, shaped somewhat like a torpedo. This shape allows them to move quickly through the water to chase down prey. With this large, powerful form, they can put up a good fight when caught, making them a highly coveted fish by anglers for the challenge they offer. For instance, the largest recorded muskellunge caught in Ohio was over 55 pounds and over 50 inches in length. (1-3)
The return of the Muskellunge
In the early 20th century, the muskellunge was viewed under the myth of super-abundance as a commercial fish. This means there were no regulations on how many or what size fish could be taken, nor was there any thought to maintaining their habitat. Dams were added in rivers, which disrupted spawning routes, and wetlands were removed to allow for farming or building sites. As a result of this, muskellunge populations in Ohio began to diminish. (1,3)
In the 1950s, the Ohio Division of Natural Resources (ODNR) began restoration efforts of muskie populations by hatching and raising muskellunge and using them to restock different locations throughout Ohio. Habitat loss for the muskellunge does not allow wild muskies to successfully reproduce. Because of this, the ODNR collects eggs and sperm from mature fish and allows the young muskies the hatch to develop in a controlled environment until they are about 10 inches in length, and then reintroduces them into their natural environment. This program, along with a daily catch limit, has allowed the muskie population in Ohio to stabilize. (2-6)
Up for the challenge?
In efforts to help maintain the muskellunge population, anglers are also encouraged to catch and release fish that are less than 30 inches even though there is no state size limit. This allows the muskie a better chance of reaching sexual maturity, which is 3 years for males and 4 years for females. If you are interested in catching a muskie, you can find them in lakes and streams throughout Ohio, such as Alum Creek, Caesar Creek, and Little Muskingum River. They can be found in shallow water during the spring and fall and in deeper water as temperatures increase throughout the summer. They prefer pristine water with a non-muddy, stony bottom. They also like to hide near logs and vegetated areas. (1-3,5)
Thanks to the ODNRs restocking program, you have the opportunity to get out there and enjoy the thrill of landing a trophy muskie!
- Farrell, J, M., Klindt R, M., Casselman, J, M., LaPan, S, R., Werner R, G., & Schiavone, A. (2006). Development, implementation, and evaluation of an international muskellunge management strategy. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 79:111–123. DOI 10.1007/s10641-006-9091-7.
- “Muskellunge”, Ohio History Central, September 20, 2019. https://ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Muskellunge
- “Muskellunge Fishing in Ohio”. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. Accessed 9/20/2019. https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/publications/fishing/pub133.pdf
- Nohner, J, K., & Diana, J, S. (2015). Muskellunge Spawning Site Selection in Northern Wisconsin Lakes and a GIS-Based Predictive Habitat Model, North American Journal of Fisheries Management, 35:1, 141-157, DOI: 10.1080/02755947.2014.977471
- “Ohio Fishing Regulations (2019-2020)”. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. Accessed 9/20/2019. http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/fishing/2019-20%20Ohio%20Fishing%20Regs_WEB.pdf
- “The Division of Wildlife’s Muskellunge Management”. (2012). Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. Accessed 9/23/2019. http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/fishing/fishing-clubs-and-programs/muskie-management