Muskie Habitat

The muskellunge, Esox masquinongy, is one of the premier game fish in North America, sought by anglers who go to great lengths to catch it. Called the "fish of 10,000 casts"---a nickname reflecting how difficult the muskie is to catch---it inhabits specific waterways. The muskellunge is a fearsome predator within its ecosystem, capable of growing to 6 feet long and weighing 60 pounds or more.

  1. Geography

    • The original distribution of the muskellunge was from the St. Lawrence River in Ontario westward through the Great lakes. The range extended south into the Mississippi River basin, notes the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. It was introduced into other states with cool waters, providing angling opportunities. The muskellunge today is an important game fish.

    Habitat

    • Despite their large size, muskies normally inhabit shallow waters. Most live in water that is 15 feet deep or shallower, but some reside in water three times that depth. They are at home in clear lakes, reservoirs and rivers, where they look for slow-moving currents and pools. Few muskies stray far from their home territory; within a two-mile radius of where they feed in the summer usually is the extent of their travels.

    Cover

    • A basic requirement of muskellunge habitat is ample cover for the fish to feel safe and to hide in ambush for prey. Thick areas of aquatic plants---species such as cattails, coontail, pond lilies and pickerel weed---provide good cover. Other structures that appeal to muskie congregations are downed timber, submerged logs, stumps, boulders and rocky outcrops.

    Diet

    • Hunting alone, the muskellunge is not particular about what it eats. It thrives where food items such as other fish, small waterfowl, muskrats, frogs, lizards and snakes are plentiful. Muskies dine on one another when the chance presents itself. Other fish species in its diet include suckers, sunfish and perch, according to the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website.