Muskellunge Esox masquinongy

Physical Features Habitat and Food Muskies are the largest members of the pike Underwater vegetation along with rock piles family and are very similar in and fallen timber are a favorite of these large appearance to Northern Pike. General features fish. The diet of the muskellunge consists of include an elongated body, flat head and dor- fish, crayfish, frogs, ducklings, snakes, musk- sal, pelvic and anal fins set far back on the rats, mice, other small mammals, and small body. Distinguishing characteristics birds. This exceptional predator depends include vertical dark bars on sides, scales only primarily on its acute vision to capture its prey. on top side of cheek, and six to eight pores on The muskie’s large mouth is lined with many each side of lower jaw. large and hair-like teeth used to penetrate and

aid in swallowing its prey head first. Spawning

Muskies spawn when the water temperature Angling Tips increases to 50 o and 59o F, normally from These large predators are very elusive and hard mid-April to late May. Female muskies lay to catch. Try large buck-tail spinners as well 22,000 to 180,000 eggs in shallow, soft- as large sucker minnows on or near weed beds. bottomed bays that are covered in dead vegeta- Muskies are valued as a trophy fish because of tion. Spawning lasts for several days but rarely the challenge they present anglers with more than a week. No parental care is taken acrobatic leaping abilities and extreme after fertilization. These fish return to the same strength. For many anglers, having a “follow” area each year to spawn. This is peculiar be- is considered a successful outing. cause they are thought to have migrated down- stream from Minnesota Lakes when they first turned up in the river. Breeding grounds have obviously been established in the Red River. For More Information Contact:

River Keepers Interesting Facts 325 7th St S., Ste. 201 Did you know that muskies and northern pike Fargo, ND 58103-1846 are able to breed with each other? The result 701-235-2895 of this mix is what is known as a tiger musky. www.riverkeepers.org

February 2011