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The muskie, is The largest member of the pike family (Esocidae), and is a top predator in freshwaters of the Great Lakes region. The Muskie is also the one of the largest freshwater game fish in the North. It often grows to more than 40 pounds, and the State record in New York state is a 69-pound 15-ounce giant taken from the St. Lawrence River. Muskellunge generally live in cool lakes and large rivers, sometimes staying in moderately swift water. Similar in appearance to northern pike, muskellunge differ by having scales only on the upper half of both the cheeks and gill covers, and 12 to 18 sensory pores on the undersurface of the lower jaw. Although actual body color ranges from barred to spotted to plain, muskies always have a light background with dark markings, just the reverse of the northern pike. Muskellunge are extremely rapid growers, reaching ten to 12 inches in length by the time they are eight month old. Because of their large size and rarity, muskellunge are held in high regard. Although muskellunge are tasty, most anglers now practice "catch and release" to help ensure the future of limited populations.
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Muskellunge Pike
