Muskellunge, often simply referred to as muskies, are fast-becoming one of Maines premier game fish. With a reputation for being a fierce, hard-running fish, muskellunge offer anglers of all abilities a challenge seldom matched by any other species. Muskellunge are currently most prevalent in rivers in northern and western Maine, but are becoming more widespread following their introduction into several new water systems.
A typical muskellunge will grow to around 30-36 inches in length and weigh in anywhere between five and ten pounds. Larger muskies are not uncommon however, with fish regularly exceeding fifteen pounds in some of Maines more popular spots. Their bodies are long and slender with dark vertical bars on a lighter green or brown background whilst their mouths contain a set of sharp teeth an indication of their aggressive, predatory nature. Muskellunge look similar to northern pike, though can be distinguished by their typically lighter appearance and presence of seven or more (as opposed to the northern pikes five) sensory pores under the jaw.
Muskellunge tend to spend much of their time in deeper waters before turning to the shallower, weedy areas in...