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Muskellunge Native

πŸ”¬ Esox masquinongy

Michigan's most prized freshwater trophy β€” the "fish of ten thousand casts." Reaching 50+ inches, the muskie demands patience, skill, and large presentations.

10-20 lbs, 36-48 inches
Typical size
58 lbs 0 oz
Michigan record
Fall, Summer
Best season
93
Listed lakes

πŸ›‘ Conservation Status

Native Native to Michigan. Populations are stable in key northern Michigan lakes. Regulated by strict slot limits and size restrictions.

🌿 Habitat & Behavior

Weedy bays, cabbage flats, and shoreline structure. Prefers clear, cool to warm lakes with abundant forage. Northern Michigan and the UP.

🎣 Best Techniques

Large bucktails, jerkbaits, topwater gliders, sucker minnows ÔÇâ always finish with a figure-8 boatside

🌊 Where to Catch in Michigan

Lake County Population Notes
Onaway Lake
2,500 acres
Presque Isle Excellent Muskie capital of Michigan ÔÇâ must-fish
Austin Lake Kalamazoo Good β€”
Badwater Lake Dickinson Good β€”
Bankson Lake Van Buren Good β€”
Bass Lake Dickinson Good β€”
Belleville Lake Wayne Good β€”
Big Island Lake Schoolcraft Good β€”
Bond Falls Flowage Gogebic Good β€”
Brule Lake Iron Good β€”
Brule River Iron Good β€”
Budd Lake Clare Good β€”
Budd Lake Clare Good β€”
Campau Lake Kent Good β€”
Chalk Hills Impoundment Menominee Good β€”
Cheboygan River Cheboygan Good β€”
Chicagon Lake Iron Good β€”
Cisco Lake Gogebic Good β€”
Cooke Pond Iosco Good β€”
Cowboy Lake Dickinson Good β€”
Crooked River Emmet Good β€”

πŸ“¦ DNR Stocking History

Total stocked: 1,534,337
Stocking events: 520
Peak year: 1982 (255,947)

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πŸ“‹ Quick Facts