Esox ohiensis Kirtland, 1854; Muskie, Musky

Muskellunge spawn in the spring in shallow bays. Ideal temperature for spawning is 12.7°C. Eggs are scattered in shallow waters over submerged woody debris or over vegetation. Females produce 22,000-180,000 eggs which take 8-14 days to hatch. Young Muskellunge absorb the yolk sac after hatching and begin to prey on other organisms. Growth is rapid in the first three years, growth rate vary depending on water temperatures and available food. Females tend to grow faster and larger than males. As they grow larger, growth rates begin to level off.. Individuals can live up to 30 years or more (Michigan DNR 2012). Natural hybridization between the Muskellunge and Northern Pike occurs in waters where both species are present resulting in the Tiger Muskellunge. Male hybrids are sterile and females are frequently fertile. Reproduction can be limited by water temperatures below 10°C, fluctuating water temperatures, low oxygen, predation by fish and invertebrates on eggs and fry, prey availability, and hybridization with the Northern pike (Michigan DNR 2012; Becker 1983).

After hatching Muskellunge feed on other fish species including minnows and smaller Muskies. As they get larger, Muskellunge begin to prey on frogs, ducklings, and crayfish. Adult Muskellunge will consume fish up to a third their own length and prefer longer, cylindrical fish to spiny, deep bodied panfish. This preference is attributed to their metabolism which favors a single, large meal instead of multiple small ones (Michigan DNR 2012). Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, sunfish, and other Muskellunge will prey on young Muskellunge. In hatcheries, giant water bugs, diving beetles, and large larvae of some insects were seen to be significant predators of recently hatched Muskellunge.

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSv) was isolated from Muskellunge in Lake St. Clair (along with many other fish species) and Muskellunge may be a transmission vector (Elsayed et al 2006, Kim and Faisal 2012, Kim et al 2022, Millard et al 2014).  This disease is highly pathogenic to juvenile Muskellunge (Kim et al 2010) as well as to other native species. VHSv is a reportable disease (OIE 2019).

Natural hybridization between the Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) and Northern pike (Esox lucius) occurs in waters where both species are present resulting in the Tiger muskellunge. Male hybrids are sterile but females are frequently fertile (Eddy 1944, Becker 1983, Wahl and Stein 1993). An artificial Muskellunge x Grass pickerel (Esox americanus americanus) hybrid has been produced in Ohio, lending credence to earlier unverified reports (Crossman and Buss 1965; Becker 1983).

There is little or no evidence to support that Esox masquinongy has significant socioeconomic impacts in the Great Lakes.

Esox masquinongy has a high beneficial impact in the Great Lakes.

Muskellunge is a trophy fish which is considered the “premier challenge of freshwater angling,” due to their scarcity, size, and fight (Michigan DNR 2012). In 1975, Muskellunge anglers contributed over 3.2 million dollars to the economy of the Chautauqua Lake (NY) watershed’s economy (Horn 1978).

Because Muskellunge are among the largest of fish predator species they are important for maintaining fish population balance. Increasing growth rates of perch were associated with increased Muskellunge predation. Stocking Muskellunge has also been observed to improve native Muskellunge population, Walleye (Sander vitreus) fishing, and quality of Perch (Perca flavescens) (Becker 1983).

Control

Biological
Northern Pike competition has been observed to impact Muskellunge populations. Lakes formerly containing Muskellunge have become dominated by the Northern Pike after introduction. Coexistence of the species has also been observed (Becker 1983).

Physical

Success of physical control methods have not been studied on Muskellunge.

General  methods of fish control include accelerated water velocity, physical barriers, pressurized hot water/steam, hot water thermal barriers , removal of catch limits, reservoir drawdowns, traps, nets, electrofishing, and combinations of treatments (GLMRIS 2011, Meronek et al. 1996). Patrick et al. (1985) observed that air bubble curtains have been successful in deterring various species of fish—especially when used in conjunction with strobe lights.

Chemical

Chemical piscicides antimycin A and rotenone are general piscicides, the use of which has not been studied on Muskellunge. These piscicides are toxic to other species and can cause non-target kills  (GLMRIS 2012).

Careful consideration should be taken with chemical methods to reduce impact to non-target species.

Note: Check state/provincial and local regulations for the most up-to-date information regarding permits for control methods. Follow all label instructions.