Maryland Fish Facts

Muskellunge

Muskellunge

Esox masquinongy

Muskie

Key Distinguishing Markings:

Muskellunge are the largest members of the Pike Family characterized by a long, torpedo-shape with dorsal and anal fins located close to the tail.
The large “duck-bill” shaped mouth is full of pointed teeth
Muskellunge coloration can vary widely ranging from an olive to tan background with few markings to prominent non-branching, dark bars that do not extend across the back. Young muskie display prominent bars and spots.
The fins are pointed and rust colored
The lower gill cover and cheek of muskellunge lack scales (northern pike cheeks are fully scaled; hybrid cheeks are fully or 2/3 scaled)
Chin pores, located on the right and left bottom surface of the lower jaw, will usually number 6 or 7, up to 10, per side on muskellunge.

View the Muskie Gallery

Distribution:

Muskies are not native to Maryland and currently occur only in the nontidal Potomac River. The original source of these muskie remains unknown.

Size:

The muskellunge, or muskie as it more commonly called, is one of the largest freshwater game fish in North America.
Muskellunge in the Potomac River can live for more than 12 years and reach a length of 50 inches. The current State Record muskellunge was caught by Tessa Cosens from the Upper Potomac River on 05/06/2011 and weighed 32.5 lbs. and was 49 inches long with a 24-inch girth.

Habitat:

In rivers, muskellunge generally prefer the larger, deeper pools with mild current and wood cover.

Spawning:

The Potomac River muskellunge fishery is supported entirely by natural reproduction.
Muskellunge initiate spawning during April or May when water temperatures exceed 50°F for several consecutive days. Tiger muskie are sterile hybrids and do not reproduce.
Spawning takes place near aquatic vegetation, debris, and leaf litter over a period of a few days; the eggs are broadcast over a fairly large area and settle to the bottom.
No parental care is given.
Surviving eggs will hatch in twelve to fifteen days.
At first, muskies grow very rapidly reaching approximately twelve inches by the end of their first growing season, twenty-four inches by the end of the second, and thirty inches by the end of their third.
In the Potomac River, muskies reach the minimum length limit of thirty-six inches during their fifth or sixth season.
Females grow faster and live longer than males; the maximum lifespan is about twenty-five to thirty years, though it is usually much shorter in southern populations; the maximum age of Potomac River muskellunge is estimated to be 13 – 15 years.

Fishing Tips:

Tackle for muskie needs to be stouter than tackle used for bass and walleye.
A medium-heavy muskie-action casting rod with twenty pound test monofilament or braided line works well.
A hard monofilament or wire leader is necessary to prevent the line being cut by their teeth.
Large crankbaits imitating suckers and fallfish and bucktail spinners are the most popular lures for muskie.
Anglers not familiar with handling these fish may want to stick with single-hook lures such as spinnerbaits to start with.
Due to their limited numbers and value as a trophy sport fish, most muskie anglers release their catch to fight again.
Several tools are needed to make releasing muskies safer for both the fish and the fishermen. Foremost is a large needle-nose pliers or a hook-out (pistol grip pliers) for removing hooks while keeping fingers a safe distance away from their teeth.
For current recreational size and creel limits, see Maryland's updated regulation page.
Muskie anglers are encouraged to participate in the Potomac River Muskie Angler Catch Survey. Participating anglers record basic information about their muskie fishing trips on a creel sheet and submit to the Department at the end of the fishing season. The information helps biologists monitor the fishery and make management decisions. Participating anglers receive a Muskie Program Volunteer cap when they complete and return a creel sheet.

Fun Fact:

For more information about Maryland's muskellunge population visit the Maryland Muskellunge Program webpage.

Family: Esocidae (Pikes)

Order: Esociformes

Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)

For more information on muskellunge and their management, please contact Josh Henesy at (301) 898-9724.

Illustration by Kevin Ensor,

Maryland Department of Natural Resources,

Fishing and Boating Services

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