The musky

Scientific name: Esox masquinongy

Weight: 10 kilos

Height (length): 1 meter on average

Habitats: St. Lawrence River, Great Lakes, Hudson Bay

Conservation status: stable – minor concern

The musky is the largest of the pike family. It measures 24 to 48 inches and weighs between 15 and 36 pounds!

It can be confused with northern pike but its behaviour is different, and its flesh more delicate.

It has a colour between light brown and green with silvery reflections, and stripes on the sides that can turn into spots. Sometimes, this species of pike has no marks, especially when they live in rough waters.

In Quebec, it is one of the most sought-after fish because of its size and fighting spirit. It is mainly found in freshwater areas surrounding the Ottawa River, the St. Lawrence River and waters near Montreal.

Although musk fishing is becoming more and more popular, it is important to respect the release conditions to preserve this incredible species.

Hunter on the lookout, he dives sharply on his prey when it is nearby. Known to ignore dead bait, it is primarily live fish that make up the bulk of its diet.

 

Musky Sport Fishing

As with pike, a steel crinel is recommended.
Live and large carp and suckers are recognized as the best bait (over 30 cm). They are now banned in most water bodies because of the risk of introducing new species.

It is therefore with artificial lures imitating these prey that it is usually caught. As its bite is particularly sharp and its jaw particularly tenacious, it is common for fish to hold the lure so tightly that the hooks do not penetrate its flesh.

This is why particularly strong hooks are required for muskellunge fishing.