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Muskellunge fishing

Esox masquinongy

About Muskellunge

The 'fish of 10,000 casts'. A big apex ambush predator, best in cool fall water.

Typical size: Often 5-12 kg, big fish over 15 kg. Record (approx.): ≈ 30 kg.

Season, time and habitat

Best season

Jun, Sep-Oct

Best time

Dawn, dusk

Habitat

Lake, River

Season by month

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Darker cell = more active that month. Based on the species' usual yearly rhythm.

Lures and baits that work

Crankbait Retrieve so the plug dives and wobbles. Add pauses and twitches to trigger strikes, or troll it behind the boat.

Spoon Cast out and retrieve at a steady pace so the spoon flashes and wobbles. Vary the speed and let it flutter down between turns.

Soft-plastic jig Let the jig sink to the bottom and work it with small lifts and pauses. Stay in contact with the line; takes usually come on the drop.

Waters where Muskellunge bites

Chautauqua Lake Mississippi

Open a water for live weather, water temperature and today's odds.

Find waters where Muskellunge is biting now

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Common questions

When is the best time to catch Muskellunge?

Muskellunge fishing is usually best around Jun, Sep-Oct. The best windows in the day are usually dawn, dusk.

What lures and baits work for Muskellunge?

Effective methods for Muskellunge include Crankbait, Spoon and Soft-plastic jig.

Where can you catch Muskellunge?

Muskellunge is most often found in lake, river. Napp shows the nearest waters and the live odds on the bite right now.