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The muskie, or more formally, the muskellunge is a game fish native to North America. It's scientific name, Esox masquinongy , betrays its close relationship to the northern pike, Esox lucius , which is found across the northern hemisphere. These and three other species comprise the family Esocidae, all of which are top or terminal predators in the waters they inhabit.

The geographic range of the muskie in North America is far more restricted than that of the northern pike. Indeed muskie inhabit only about one percent of North America's fresh water. In the waters shared by the two species, muskies tend to be outnumbered by pike. This comparative rarity is one of the challenges of musky fishing. Another is their size and fighting ability. Muskies can reach weights of just under 70 pounds (although rumors of larger fish persist) and the sight of even a much smaller fish thrashing around at the boat side unforgettable.

Because of their rarity and the stress these fish undergo when captured, they are particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure. Pollution, habitat alteration and the introduction of exotic species into their waters are among the other more serious threats to muskie populations. Fortunately, while the popularity of muskie fishing is increasing, so is the catch and release ethic that may ultimately be the salvation of this majestic species.

Spawning and Early Development
In late April and early May as water temperatures warm above 49 F. (9.4 C.), muskies move into shallow, weedy areas to spawn. The larger females may be accompanied by several smaller males and periodically eggs are fertilized and shed as the ventral areas of a mating pair are brought into contact. Fertilized eggs are broadcast over a fairly large area over several days. Whereas pike eggs adhere to aquatic vegetation, muskellunge eggs settle on to the substrate. It is thought that this may render them more vulnerable to anoxia if siltation rates, or oxygen consumption by decaying organic matter, are high.

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