Muskie Fishing

Welcome to our Muskie Fishing Home Page

Muskellunge are often referred to as muskie or musky. Muskie anglers have their own niche in the fishing community. It takes a unique angler to have the patience and perseverance to consistently target muskie. Muskie are known as the fish “of a thousand casts.” At times, even experienced anglers will get skunked, but then again, it is also possible to land several muskies on a single outing if everything goes right.

Muskie Fishing Tips

Quick Links

Baits, Rigs & Techniques	Tackle Recommendations

Best Live Bait Rigs	Fishing Line Recommendations
Best Fishing Techniques	Fishing Rod & Reel Recommendations
Best Live Baits
Best Lures	Time of Day & Throughout the Seasons

Catch More & Bigger Fish	Seasons (Spring thru Winter)
	Time of Day
Catch Big Muskie
Catch Lots of Muskie	Water & Weather

Kitchen Table	Cover & Structure
	Types of Water
Eating Muskie	Water Depths
	Weather

Habitat

Muskie can be found in a variety of lakes and rivers and they do well in clear water or murky water. These fish can often be found in deep water, however, they will roam the shallows as well. They like weeds, but you will also find them around rocks, wood and out in open water. They are similar to northern pike and can be found in many of the same areas, however, the bigger fish will usually be found just a little deeper.

Muskie Have Super Sharp Teeth

Their teeth are another level up from northern pike. While a 40 pound mono or fluorocarbon leader will get the job done with most bigger pike, it will definitely not get the job done against a big muskie. Many anglers go up to 100 pound mono or fluorocarbon leaders or they just use steel leaders. Don’t forget the needle nose pliers. You’re going to need them if you get a big muskie in the boat.

Muskie Will Hit Right at the Boat

Yes, gigantic muskie will follow up lure right up to the boat and will often swim away without biting. However, some will hit right at the boat with a normal retrieve while others can often be coaxed into hitting with the figure 8 technique.

Muskie Can Get Huge

A 40″ northern pike would be considered a trophy. For muskie, that would not be considered a big fish even though, it is still a very nice fish to catch. Muskie grow larger than 50 inches long, so make sure you bring the heavy gear when chasing these fish.

Muskie Love Huge Baits

Whether you are tossing huge lures or drifting gigantic suckers, don’t think that a 12″ bait is big when going after muskie. Some anglers use baits well over a foot long when chasing muskie.

Muskie Will Eat Smaller Baits Too

Many big muskie have been caught with smaller lures that anglers would consider more for largemouth bass or northern pike. So, don’t feel like you have to throw gigantic lures all day to catch a muskie because it isn’t the case.

Featured Muskie Fishing Destinations

There are so many great muskie fishing destinations. Some of them give anglers a shot at a big fish. Others will give you a shot to catch a fish and some destinations will give you a good chance to see some action while also having a good chance to catch a big fish.

Remember, it is still fishing and muskie can be very difficult to catch. Many people plan muskie trips and do not catch a single muskie. Even though muskie fishing can be very hit or miss for most anglers, there are still a lot of anglers out there that are hooked on muskie fishing. If you are one of those people, you will benefit from learning about our featured muskie fishing destinations. Learn more about all the awesome places to fish for muskie so you can plan a better trip for your next muskie fishing adventure.

Best Muskie Fishing Destinations

Best Baits for Muskie

Soft Baits

Hard Baits

Live Baits

Best Muskie Fishing Rigs

Best Muskie Fishing Techniques

Best Fishing Techniques for Muskie

Catch Big Muskie

Catch Lots of Muskie

Fishing Line Recommendations

Muskie anglers know that you need to use heavier line and heavier leaders to target muskie. If you fish for northern pike and are used to using 40 to 50 pound leaders, you need to know that it is a lot different with muskie. Big muskie can cut through those leaders easily, so you will need leaders as heavy as 100 pounds and some anglers just choose to go with steel leaders to avoid the bite-offs.

Make sure to take a look at our fishing line recommendations for Muskie page to learn more.

Fishing Rod & Reel Recommendations

To consistently catch muskie, anglers need heavy gear and quality equipment. You may be able to get away with some lighter gear with smaller muskie, but to consistently catch bigger muskie, you’re going to want to be using heavy actions rods with quality reels that can hold a good amount of heavy fishing line.

Muskie Fishing Rod & Reel Recommendations