Wisconsin Muskellunge Waters: Key to Terms

• Lake or River Name - the official name is listed according to "Wisconsin Geographical Names" and as shown on U.S. Geological Survey 7 1/2 minute quadrangle maps. Many lakes also have a different local name, which is listed in parenthesis after the official name. An asterist (*) following a lake name indicates that the lake is found in more than one county.
• Access - the type of access to each water is listed. Many waters have more than one type of access, but only the highest of the following access types is listed:
• Ramp - public roadway to water with public launching ramp.
• NP - indicates "No Parking"
• Road - public roadway to water with no public launching ramp.
• Water - public access less than 3 miles away by navigable water.
• Canoe - water access navigable for canoes only.
• Walk-in - walking trails over public lands.
• Commercial (Comm) - no public access is available, but resorts, private launching ramps or boat rentals are available.
• None - no public or commercial sites are available.
• Acres - size of lake in Acres.
• Miles - the length of the stream segment containing muskellunge.
• Class - classification of waters of angling quality based on surveys and observations made by fisheries biologists.
• Class A - these are premiere muskellunge waters, considered by most to provide the best muskellunge fishing. These waters are broken down into two categories depending on population numbers, size structure, and angling quality of the water.
• Class A1 - these waters are best known as "trophy waters" for their ability to produce large muskellunge, but overall numbers of muskellunge may be relatively low. Angling action can be inconsistent in these waters, but fish that are caught have a larger average size. At certain times when conditions are right, however, these waters can also provide good action.
• Class A2 - these waters are best known for providing the most consistent angling action, and they have potential to produce some big fish as well. They generally have the best overall numbers of muskellunge, but big fish make up a smaller percent of the total compared to Class A1 waters.
• Class B - this intermediate class action of waters providing good fishing. In general the angler success and catch rates may be less than in prime waters.
• Class C - these waters have fishable muskellunge populations, but they are not of major importance in the total fishery.
• Category - status of the natural reproduction of musky.
• Category 1 - the population is self-sustaining through natural reproduction. No stocking occurs.
• Category 2 - the population has some natural reproduction, however some stocking occurs to supplement natural recruitment.
• Category 3 - the population has no known natural reproduction of muskellunge. Stocking of muskellunge is required for maintenance of a population.
• Category 4 - the population has no known natural reproduction of muskellunge. Stocking of hybrid muskellunge occurs. A hybrid muskellunge is a cross between a muskellunge and a northern pike, often called a "tiger musky."
• Category 0 - reproductive status is unknown, stocking generally occurs.
• LdF - are waters on the Lac du Flambeau Reservation and are subject to annual agreements regarding musky length limits. These limits may vary from those found in the current fishing regulations and are posted on the affected Lac du Flambeau waters.

For more information, please contact:

Tim Simonson, Staff Specialist
(608) 267-7498