Muskellunge (Muskie)
The Muskellunge (Muskie) is a very large, elongated fish (second-largest in Ontario). It has dark vertical bands on light background, at times spotted or clear, with a green-gold, brown, grey or silver back. It has lighter sides, with a beige to white belly. While this fish is similar to the Northern Pike, the Muskie has tips of tail fin more pointed than that of the Northern Pike. It can grow anywhere between 71 cm – 137 cm, with a weight of 4 – 11 kilograms.
The Ontario record for biggest Muskie weighed 29.5 kilograms.
The Muskie like to be concealed among aquatic plants at the sides of channels, and rocks and offshore shoals in lakes and rivers in summer. Peak fishing periods are in June and in the fall when water temperatures begin to cool. To get a good medium-sized fish, your best bet is in the summer months when they’re more plentiful.
