Wisconsin Muskellunge Waters

These Web pages are based on the updated edition of the Wisconsin Muskellunge Waters booklet, PUBL-RS-919-96. The edition was last updated during the summer of 1995 by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Fisheries Managers throughout the state after careful consideration. Hypertext links to additional information, not possible in a printed publication, may be found in the web version of this publication.

The muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) is one of Wisconsin's most important and unique trophies. It is so highly valued that the State Legislature proclaimed it the official State Fish in 1955. More world records have been landed in Wisconsin than anywhere else. The state and world record is a tremendous 69 pounds and 11 ounce fish taken from the Chippewa Flowage. Also credited to Wisconsin is the world record hybrid musky, 51 pounds, 3 ounces, landed on Lac Vieux Desert. Muskellunge are primarily sought by anglers as trophies. It takes the average angler more than 50 hours to catch a muskellunge larger than 30 inches. Because these fish are trophy fish, "follows," "swirls" and "hits" are enjoyed and talked about nearly as much as actual catches.

This information is provided to help you enjoy musky fishing in Wisconsin. Knowlege about the fish itself will increase your appreciation of the trophy you seek and provide some tools to make your quest more successful. A list of the muskellunge waters and a few of their characteristics is presented to give you an idea of what to expect in the waters you fish. Waters are not included that do not have fishable populations even though an occasional fish may be caught there. The Sturgeon Bay area of Lake Michigan and the Chequamegon Bay portion of Lake Superior are not included. These are very large waters that have limited numbers of muskellunge but attract some of the more expert anglers. Thorough knowledge of these waters is necessary for success and they are not recommended for the average musky angler.

The WDNR is conducting an active rehabilitation program to re-establish the Great Lakes Strain "spotted musky" in Green Bay, the Fox River, below DePere Dam and the Menominee River below the dam in Marinette. Stocking the strain that was once native to Green Bay, was begun in 1989, and is planned to continue into the late 1990's.

For more information, please contact:

Tim Simonson, Staff Specialist
(608) 267-7498