All About Musky
Species overview, identification, habitat and life history from the Pennsylvania Fishes Reference Book
Fishing Regulations
Musky Seasons, Sizes and Limits:
Muskellunge Fishing Tips
Where
Habitat -- Deeper waters located near underwater structure, such as weed beds, sunken objects, and drop-offs are popular areas for Muskellunge.
How
Rod –At least 7 feet long with fast action and a heavy power rating.
Reel -- High gear ratio and a strong drag system.
Bait – shiners, suckers and bluegills (4-10” long)
Lures -- Bucktails, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and topwater lures
Trolling -- crankbaits (3-12” long)
Casting -- bucktails, jerk baits and rubber swim baits (6-12” long)
Lure Color – Match forage fish species present. Fire tiger (perch), shad, and bluegill patterns are popular.
Line – 50-80 lb. test, abrasion-resistant (i.e. braided line is a popular due to being strong and sensitive with low stretch)
Leader – 12” long, 80 lb. test or steel wire
Hook Size – Hook size will depend on the size of lure or bait but typically treble hooks of at least 3/0 are used.
Lure Size – 3-12” long lures depending on season and forage
Net – 6’ long with 30” wide hoop and deep net bag
When
Spring – Daytime, first and last few hours of light
Summer – Daytime, Nighttime, first and last few hours of light
Fall -- Daytime, first and last few hours of light
Interactive Maps
Find fishing waters by using one or more of our interactive maps:
- Best Fishing Waters - Muskellunge
- Warmwater/Coolwater Fisheries for waters known to have musky
- Special Regulation Areas (Brood Stock Program)
- County Guide for access points