Fishing in Wisconsin: Muskellunge

The muskellunge, or musky, is one of Wisconsin's most important and unique trophies. Officially named the State Fish in 1955, more musky world records have been landed in Wisconsin than anywhere else. These pages should help to provide you with the information you need to enjoy musky fishing in Wisconsin.

Tim Simonson holding a musky just before releasing it.
WDNR photo by Tim Simonson

• Wisconsin Muskellunge Management Team
• Muskellunge Management Update (February 2008) [PDF 334KB]
• Muskellunge Fact Sheet [PDF 63KB] - information on musky identification, distribution and tips on fishing for musky.
• Wisconsin Musky Waters - information on musky life history, research, management and classification of waters.
• Wisconsin Muskellunge Rivers - a list of rivers with musky including river miles, access type, and musky classification and category.
• Wisconsin Muskellunge Lakes - a list of musky lakes in Wisconsin. Includes lake size, access type, and musky classification and category, if available.
• Musky Partners - organizations that assist the DNR with the managment of muskies in Wisconsin.
• Quality Fishing Opportunites for Muskellunge - based on water productivity and fish growth potential, and facilitated by minimum length regulations, anglers fishing in many of these waters will have a good chance of catching a "quality" musky.
• Long Live the Kings from Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine.
• Keeping the Fight in the King of Fishes from Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine (8/06) (genetics information on the musky)
• Musky Related News Releases - latest musky-related information

For complete musky fishing regulations for Wisconsin, see the Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations.

For more information, please contact:

Tim Simonson, Staff Specialist
(608) 267-7498.