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Indiana Muskie facts

Areas that the Department of Fish and Wildlife previously stocked with tiger muskies (a cross between a muskie and a northern pike) are now stocked only with muskies since recent studies show that they fare as well as the hybrids.

General Muskie Facts

The muskie, or more formally, the muskellunge is a game fish native to North America. It's scientific name, Esox masquinongy, betrays its close relationship to the northern pike, Esox lucius, which is found across the northern hemisphere.

These and three other species comprise the family Esocidae, all of which are top or terminal predators in the waters they inhabit. The geographic range of the muskie in North America is far more restricted than that of the northern pike. Indeed muskie inhabit only about one percent of North America's fresh water.

In the waters shared by the two species, muskies tend to be outnumbered by pike. This comparative rarity is one of the challenges of musky fishing.

Another is their size and fighting ability. Muskies can reach weights of just under 70 pounds (although rumors of larger fish persist) and the sight of even a much smaller fish thrashing around at the boat side unforgettable.

Because of their rarity and the stress these fish undergo when captured, they are particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure. Pollution, habitat alteration and the introduction of exotic species into their waters are among the other more serious threats to muskie populations. Fortunately, while the popularity of muskie fishing is increasing, so is the catch and release ethic that may ultimately be the salvation of this majestic species.

Identification

Anglers unfamiliar with muskie often confuse them with northern pike. To tell the difference, count the sensory pores on the bottom of each side of the lower jaw and then determine how much of the cheek area is covered by scales. Muskie have six or more sensory pores on each side and scales cover only the top half of both cheeks. Northern pike usually have five sensory pores and cheeks are fully scaled. Muskie have up to three distinct color patterns, including green to silver ‘clear’ sides, dark spots or dark vertical bars. Northern pike are typically green with light-colored small oval shaped markings.

References:

Muskie Fishing. DNR. 2005 http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/fish/fishing/muskie.htm

Butler, M.T. 2004. Muskellunge biology: the basics. International Muskie Home Page. Trent University. Peterborough, Canada. http://www.trentu.ca/muskie/biology/biol01.html.