No. Muskie are considered apex (top) predators that have preferred prey items. Numerous diet studies have been performed specifically on muskie over the years with a few recent studies investigating coexisting smallmouth bass and muskie populations. All results are consistent in that muskie prefer soft-rayed, cylindrical bodied fishes, primarily members of the sucker family. Preferred prey, such as golden redhorse sucker is highly abundant throughout the freshwater Potomac. It is not uncommon for a muskie to attack or engulf a struggling fish, regardless of species, on the end of an angler’s line. This behavior triggers the muskie predatory instinct but gives anglers the false impression that muskie are directly targeting other sportfish. For additional diet related information please refer to the "Diet" paragraph of the Life History/Biology section.

Does the state of Maryland stock muskie?

Several impoundments throughout the state are stocked periodically (based on availability) with hybrid tiger muskie to provide an additional sportfishing opportunity.

Triadelphia Reservoir, Rocky Gorge Reservoir, Little Seneca Lake, and Centennial Lake are areas within the state that currently support tiger muskie fishing opportunities.

The freshwater Potomac River is Maryland’s only true muskie population and fishery and is entirely self-sustaining, relying on natural reproduction to maintain its existence. Like the other popular Potomac River sportfish, this species is not native to the river, but has become naturalized over time and has not been shown to have any negative impacts on other fish populations in the Potomac. Additional information on the history of Maryland muskie can be found in the Maryland Muskie History and Management section.

Are there both tiger and true muskie in the Potomac River?

Historically hybrid tiger muskie were stocked throughout the freshwater Potomac River (1989-2005). Stocking efforts were reduced from 2000-2004 and completely stopped in 2005.

Because tiger muskie are sterile, current and future encounters are highly unlikely. The current fishery of true muskie is entirely supported by natural reproduction.

How long do muskie live?

The oldest documented muskie from the Potomac River was a female aged to be 19 years old. Prior to this exceptional fish the oldest muskie was aged to be 13 years old. Females live longer than males and the oldest male muskie on record is 11 years old.

How big do Potomac River muskie get?

To date, the largest verified individual muskie from the freshwater Potomac River was measured at 50.5 inches. This fish was collected in 2015 and was aged to be 19 years old. The average size of angled muskie in the Potomac River is roughly 36 inches.

Where are the best places to fish?

Muskie in the Potomac River have been documented from White’s Ferry to Cumberland so the opportunity to encounter one of these mysterious creatures is possible throughout the freshwater Potomac; however, the highest densities and greatest angling opportunities exist in the Washington County portion of the river from Dam #3 to Hancock.

Maryland’s Online Water Access Guide can provide additional details on river access locations.

How does the agency use information from the muskie creel survey?

The volunteer muskie creel survey provides a much larger dataset of annual muskie lengths and catch rates than what would otherwise be collected. At the end of each year the data is used to generate the size distribution of the catch and overall angling catch rate, a general measure of relative abundance. (fish per angler hour). Additionally, a statistical model is created using these data to estimate annual mortality rates. The survey provides dedicated muskie anglers with the opportunity to be actively involved in the management of Maryland muskie. For more information on the volunteer muskie creel survey please see the Maryland Muskie History and Management section.

How do I participate in the volunteer angler creel survey program?

Beginning in 2019 a new electronic reporting system is available to provide participants with a more modernized option for recording data. This application can be accessed here or by directly clicking the link found on the top of this page. This link can be saved to a cell phone or computer for quick and easy access. A paper copy of the creel log can still be printed for those who wish to continue using the more traditional style.

How can I help to protect Maryland muskie?

Freshwater Fisheries Program objectives are to protect, restore and expand fish habitat and to enhance sportfish populations. Protection is of the upmost importance in enhancing the quality muskie population and fishery in Maryland. Since the majority of the fishery is self-regulated by voluntary catch and release it is strongly recommended that anglers be aware of proper handling techniques and equipment and implement them into every successful capture and that angler’s avoid targeting muskie when water temperatures reach or exceed 80°F. This will greatly enhance the fish’s chances of survival long after the release.  Additionally, participating in the voluntary creel survey program​ for muskie allows anglers to be part of the necessary data collection process. Biologists rely on these data to track and monitor changes in the fishery on an annual basis. These data are the basis for management recommendations and actions.

Avoiding the spread and introduction of pathogens that can adversely impact river health is extremely important. Minimizing the risk of disease can be accomplished by thoroughly disinfecting gear that has been used in other water bodies. Often times this can be accomplished by allowing the equipment to naturally dry out. It is recommended that anglers inspect gear, including boats, for obvious signs of foreign debris prior to fishing or recreating.

• Thoroughly clean all boat parts.
• Eliminate water from all equipment and live wells before leaving boat take-out.
• Make sure equipment is dry before transporting it to another body of water.
• Never release live bait onto shoreline or into water body. Put it in the trash or give to another angler.
• Never release live fish from one water body to another.

What is the tagging program?

Muskie have been numerically marked with yellow dart tags since 1997 to help in determining movement and growth. The tags are visible on the leading edge of the dorsal fin of the fish’s left side.​​ Anglers should report all tagged muskie by calling 301-898-5443, emailing josh.henesy@maryland.gov, or by recording the necessary information on the online volunteer creel log or the paper copy available here​. The four-digit number, fish’s length, general location, and date of capture should all be recorded. Additional information on the tagging program can be found here.