Other Common Names:

Muskie, Lunge, Maskinonge, Great Pike

State Record:

69 pounds 11 ounces

Identifying Features:

Muskellunge have a light green back and a pale belly. Their sides are marked with dark diamond-shapes.

Typical Adult:

Length: Up to 52 inches (sometimes up to 60 inches)
Weight: Up to 46 pounds
Life span: 30 or more years

Habitat:

In the summer, muskellunge inhabits the deep water of ponds, lakes, streams, and slow moving rivers. In the fall, they live in shallow weedy areas. Preferred water temperature is 67-72°F.

Feeding Behavior:

Muskellunge are carnivores (meat eaters) and feed on fish, frogs, crayfish, and occasionally, young mice, muskrats, and ducklings.

Reproductive Behavior (Spawning):

When: Mid to late spring
Preferred Water Temperature: 49-59 °F
How: Adults pair off at spawning. The female sometimes swims along shoreline with 1-2 smaller males nearby. The eggs are scattered at random over lake or river vegetation. Adults do not guard the nest.

Did You Know:

Muskellunge have three distinct color phases: spotted, clear, and barred.