Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
Known as the 'fish of 10,000 casts,' the muskellunge is the apex freshwater predator of North American waters. Found in the Great Lakes, large northern rivers, and select inland lakes across the upper Midwest and Northeast, a trophy muskie is the ultimate accomplishment for dedicated anglers.
Seasonal Activity
Best Techniques
- casting large bucktails
- trolling big crankbaits
- glide baits
- figure-8 at boatside
Top Baits
- large bucktails
- jerkbaits
- glide baits
- live suckers
- topwater
Fishing Regulations
Season dates and limits for Muskellunge, by state. This list may not cover every state yet — always confirm current rules with your state's wildlife agency before you fish.
Illinois 1 zone
Open year-round. Minimum size 36 inches. Stocked in select lakes. Shabbona Lake and Kinkaid Lake are among the better musky waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.illinois.gov
Indiana 1 zone
Open year-round. Minimum size 36 inches. Found in select northern Indiana lakes and reservoirs. Tiger musky also stocked in some waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: in.gov
Iowa 1 zone
Minimum length 40 inches. Daily bag limit of 1.
Effective 2025 · Source: iowadnr.gov
Kentucky 1 zone
Minimum size 30 inches. Daily creel limit 1. Found in Cave Run Lake and select eastern Kentucky waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: fw.ky.gov
Maryland 1 zone
Found in the upper Potomac River and select western Maryland waters. Daily limit of one.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.maryland.gov
Michigan 1 zone
Possession season opens first Saturday in June. 1 per angler per season. Mandatory harvest reporting within 24 hours.
Effective 2026 · Source: michigan.gov
Minnesota 1 zone
Season opens first Saturday in June. Minimum size is 54 inches statewide, making most musky catch-and-release. This is one of the highest minimum sizes in the country. Tiger musky have a 36-inch minimum.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.state.mn.us
New Jersey 1 zone
Found primarily in the Delaware River. Minimum size 40 inches.
Effective 2025 · Source: nj.gov
New York 1 zone
Statewide muskellunge season. Some waters including the St. Lawrence River and Chautauqua Lake have special regulations.
Effective 2025 · Source: dec.ny.gov
Ohio 1 zone
Open year-round. Minimum size 30 inches statewide. Found in select inland reservoirs and some Lake Erie tributaries. Tiger musky also present in some waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: ohiodnr.gov
Pennsylvania 1 zone
Open year-round. Minimum size 40 inches. Found in Allegheny Reservoir, French Creek, and various lakes. Tiger musky also stocked in some waters with 28-inch minimum.
Effective 2025 · Source: fishandboat.com
Vermont 1 zone
Found in Lake Champlain and select tributaries. Minimum size 36 inches.
Effective 2025 · Source: vtfishandwildlife.com
Virginia 1 zone
Minimum size 30 inches. Daily creel limit 2. Found in New River and select western Virginia waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: dwr.virginia.gov
West Virginia 1 zone
Minimum size 36 inches. Daily creel limit 2. Found in Burnsville Lake and Elk River.
Effective 2025 · Source: wvdnr.gov
Wisconsin 1 zone
Season opens the Saturday before Memorial Day on most inland waters. Minimum size 36 inches statewide with many waters requiring 40, 45, or 50 inches. Catch-and-release only on some waters. Tiger musky included in musky bag.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov
Special regulations on specific waters
These override the statewide rule above on the listed water.
Lake St. Clair world-class musky fishery. 42 inch minimum, 1 per year.
Effective 2026 · Source: michigan.gov
State Records
Official rod & reel records by state. Log your catch to see how you compare.
| State | Weight | Length | Angler | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NY | 69.94 lb | — | Arthur Lawton | 1957 | St. Lawrence River |
| WI | 69.69 lb | — | Cal Johnson | 1949 | Chippewa Flowage |
| MI | 58 lb | 59 in | — | 2012 | Lake Bellaire |
| OH | 55.13 lb | — | Joe D. Lykins | 1972 | Piedmont Lake |
| PA | 54.19 lb | — | Lewis Walker Jr. | 1924 | Conneaut Lake |
| VA | 45.5 lb | — | Shannon Hill | 2007 | New River |
| IN | 42.5 lb | — | Darrin Conley | 2002 | James Lake |
| IL | 37.81 lb | — | Chris Kim | 1997 | Shabbona Lake |
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