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Muskie Fishing Guides

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Recently Booked Muskie Fishing Guides

Fishing in Knoxville

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Knoxville

Tennessee Musky Fishing

100% (1)
17 ft 1 - 3 People $
Fishing in Eagle River

Lake Fishing Trip in Eagle River

Wallhanger Musky Guide Trips

NEW
20 ft 1 - 2 People $
Fishing in Knoxville

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Knoxville

Tennessee Musky Fly Fishing

NEW
17 ft 1 - 2 People $
Fishing in Clay Township

Lake Fishing Trip in Clay Township

Harsen's Island Charter Adventure

NEW
42 ft 1 - 4 People $
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Eagle River

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Eagle River

Eagle River Musky Fishing

NEW
21 ft 1 - 2 People $
Fishing in Sheboygan Falls

River Fishing Trip in Sheboygan Falls

Smallmouth Bass, Pike, & Musky

NEW
14 ft 1 - 2 People $

Most Popular Types of Muskie Trips

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Muskie Fishing Guides

Fishing in Pulaski
Fishing in Pulaski
Fishing in Pulaski
trip description for Morning/Afternoon Trip (6 hrs) in Pulaski

Come on a multispecies adventure targeting trophy Pike, Bass, and Bowfin. These trips often have a ton of action with many different species being caught. Most people have heard of the morning bite and that's what you'll be fishing on these trips. The fish have rested and the fish love to feed first thing in the morning. Especially before the sun makes its mid-day peak. Meeting times and places can be coordinated in the days leading up to your trip. Read More

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Pulaski

Morning/Afternoon Trip (6 Hrs)

NEW
18 ft 1 - 3 People $
Fishing in Johnson City
Fishing in Johnson City
Fishing in Johnson City
trip description for Tailwater Trout in Johnson City

If you've been looking for a truly exceptional day on the water, go no further. Ellis is a fly-fishing expert, and we would argue that there are few better guides east of the Mississippi. He offers trips tailored to the local waters around Johnson City, Tennessee, and his goal is to tie, fish, and guide in ways that are perfectly suited to the rivers that you'll be fishing. Trout are fishable all year long, but other freshwater species are more seasonal. Just ask Ellis and he can tell what will be biting when you want to fish. The options are endless, whether that's casting for Musky in the fall and winter, streamer fishing for Trout year round, hunting rising fish on dry flies, going after Stripers on both fly and conventional tackle, mousing for big Browns, hitting Carp on the lake, or enticing big Smallies. With Ellis as your guide, you'll be able to try your hand at all of these kinds of fishing, and aim for a wide range of freshwater species. He's fished this water obsessively, putting in long days in every season and every kind of weather, and he knows the best spots like the back of his hand. Ellis will provide everything you need for an amazing day on the water. He ties all the flies used on his trips, and his care and expertise are evident as soon as you step onto the boat. All you need to bring is a good attitude, proper clothing, sun protection, and a pair of polarized sunglasses. You'll also need a Tennessee fishing license! Book a trip to see what fly-fishing in East Tennessee is all about! Read More

River Fishing Trip in Johnson City

Tailwater Trout

NEW
15 ft 1 - 2 People $
Fishing in Clay Township
Fishing in Clay Township
Fishing in Clay Township
trip description for Lake St. Claire Muskie and Pike in Clay Township

Although Lake St. Claire isn't considered one of the five Great Lakes, it's part of the Great Lakes system, connecting Lake Huron to the north with Lake Erie to the south. The lake averages just 11 feet deep, but boasts a rich freshwater fishery with tons of Bass, Perch, Pike, Muskie, and more! On this trip, you'll be chasing big ol' Northern Pike and Muskie. These closely-related fish are picky eaters, but when they hit, they hit hard! You'll be using classic light tackle techniques to get bites. Captain Tom will make sure you're throwing the best lures for the season and water conditions, so you'll have the best possible chance of getting a monster on the line. You'll be fishing aboard his 24' cuddy cabin. She's a beauty, and is perfect for the kinds of fishing you'll be doing. She sports a 220-HP Ford V8 engine, so you'll be out there trolling in the blink of an eye, and has a comfortable cabin area with seating to keep you having fun all day. Captain Tom will come prepared with everything you need for an awesome trip! Just make sure to bring proper clothing, your Michigan fishing licenses, and a smile. Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Clay Township

Lake St. Claire Muskie And Pike

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Sheboygan Falls
Fishing in Sheboygan Falls
Fishing in Sheboygan Falls
trip description for Smallmouth Bass, Pike, & Musky in Sheboygan Falls

After the spawn concludes and the big Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead make their way back out to the lake, the Small Mouth fishing gets red hot! If you're looking to catch some studdly smallies and wild Inland Trout around Milwaukee and Sheboygan, there's no better guide than Bailey here to put you on them. He's made a name for himself by mastering all the local rivers flowing into Lake Michigan catching massive Salmon and Steelhead in the cold months and Small Mouth and more in the late spring and Summer. The Driftless Region of Wisconsin is a very unique, scenic area that offers a variety of species and types of water to target beyond Small Mouth as well. Although some public access, the vast majority of lands surrounding trout streams are privately owned. Here is where Bailey's 14' SmithFly Raft comes into play, allowing you to access miles & miles of untouched, pristine water. The Inland Trout fishing is mainly done using fly fishing gear with streamers and spin gear with hardbaits to target bigger, wild fish. Smallmouth Bass and Inland Trout offer a great experience to all levels of anglers. Expect sunny, warm days with great action and the chance at a Trophy Smallmouth as well! We target the Bass on both Fly and Spin setups, as well as Float Fishing for them sometimes using jigs. During your fishing adventure, you will be floating down the rivers in a 14' SmithFly BigShoals Raft. This will make it much easier for you to access parts of the river and fish, all while staying dry and warm inside the raft! All the rods, reels, gear and tackle will be provided for you, along with you fishing licenses! The only thing you have to do is show up and fish! Read More

River Fishing Trip in Sheboygan Falls

Smallmouth Bass, Pike, & Musky

NEW
14 ft 1 - 2 People $
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Eagle River
Fishing in Eagle River
Fishing in Eagle River
trip description for Eagle River Musky Fishing in Eagle River

Head out to chase trophy Musky with your pro guide Clayton. There are of 2500 lakes in Vilas, Oneida, and Forest Counties where Clayton likes to fish, the majority of which hold musky! Thus there are a lot of different places you can go depending on what your looking for. If your looking to catch you first musky, or looking for numbers, Clayton will take you to the Eagle River chain of lakes. This is the world's largest chain of lakes with 28 different lakes all connected and accessible without getting out of the boat. With Clayton you will be throwing a variety of blades, topwater, & jerkbaits, and out on the Eagle River chain of lakes, you are guaranteed to at least have chance at catching one or have a musky chase your bait. Musky are called the fish of 10000 casts because they are so elusive and smart. Clayton will provide everything you'll need for a succesful day out on the water from all the Rods, reels and tackle. All you need to bring is a valid WI fishing license, your weather appropriate gear, sunglasses, and your A game and Clayton will show you how to hook into some Musky! Read More

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Eagle River

Eagle River Musky Fishing

NEW
21 ft 1 - 2 People $
Fishing in Clay Township
Fishing in Clay Township
Fishing in Clay Township
trip description for Harsen's Island Charter Adventure in Clay Township

This trip with Captain Tom is perfect for making some classic Michigan memories! You'll be fishing Lake St. Clair, which connects Lake Huron with Lake Erie. This rich freshwater fishery is a perfect place to hook trophy Pike, Musky, Walleye, and Bass! Captain Tom knows all the hot fishing spots in the lake, and will work hard to put you on the fish fast. On this trip, you'll do a combination of trolling for Pike and Musky, bottomfishing for lurking Walleye, and light-tackle jigging for Bass. As you try different spots, looking for the biggest and hungriest catches, you'll switch your techniques in order to maximize your success. You'll be fishing aboard Captain Tom's 42' sportfisher, which provides a quick and comfortable ride in any weather. She includes outriggers for trolling, a bathroom, and a cabin to keep you out of the sun. Captain Tom will provide everything you need for an awesome trip; all you need to bring is sunscreen, proper clothing, sunglasses, and your Michigan fishing licenses! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Clay Township

Harsen's Island Charter Adventure

NEW
42 ft 1 - 4 People $
See All Muskie Trips

Other Trips

Fishing in Rockport
Fishing in Rockport
Fishing in Rockport
trip description for Redfish on the Fly in Rockport

Captain Jeff offers fantastic half day, full day, and multi day trips fly fishing for redfish along the Texas Coastal Bend. All rods, reels, tackle, and flies are provided- all you need is a current Texas fishing license, snacks, and polarized sunglasses. These trips are great for 1-2 anglers of all skill levels. Nothing beats catching a Texas redfish on the fly! Note also, Captain Jeff doesn't pay too much attention to the time on his trips. He's out there to make sure you get your shots not stare at his watch! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Rockport

Redfish On The Fly

100% (1)
18 ft 1 - 2 People $
Fishing in Chatham
Fishing in Chatham
Fishing in Chatham
trip description for Early Season Cape Cod Flyfishing in Chatham

Head out with Captain Drew and prepare for an exciting day of Cape Cod fishing! Cape Cod has some of the best fishing in the country and is home to prized fish all over the peninsula! On this half or full-day trip, Captain Drew will motor you out into the Cape Cod inshores where you will primarily cast and wade the Monomoy flats and tidal creeks. You can also fish Pleasant Bay, Brewster flats, Barnstable harbor, and south side grass flats. In these spots you can expect to target some Bonito and Striped Bass. To attract these picture-worthy fish you'll be using fly rods to try and spot the fish and cast right at them. Whether you're a beginner or experienced fly fisher, Captain Drew will give you his expert tips to make sure you're ready to land some big catches! Captain Drew offers these fly fishing trips for up to 2 passengers, but he can fit 3 anglers if you choose to do some spin fishing from the boat. You'll be fishing aboard a 20’ Jones Brothers Cape Fisherman center console that can comfortably fit 3 anglers. Equipped with a 115 HP Yamaha engine and jack plate for shallow water, this boat will have no problem navigating the shallows and flats of Monomoy and Cape Cod Bay, and it will get you where you need to be in the open water too! Sneaking up on fish for some sight-casting is a breeze with this vessel's front-side and back-side casting decks with a poling platform. And if you want to hop out and wade sandbars in prime spots, the low freeboard and ladder have you covered! On this trip you must bring your own fly rod and gear. Captain Drew recommends an 8-10wt rod, Intermediate/Sink tip/Full-sink line, 25lb leader material, 15lb flouro tippet, Waders, Polarized Glasses, and a Hat. The flies that will get you bites out here are Deceivers, Clousers, Sandeel, Juvy baitfish, and Crab patterns. You should also bring any snacks or drinks you might need and a Massachusetts fishing license. Book your trip today and get ready for a Northeast fishing adventure! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Chatham

Early Season Cape Cod Flyfishing

NEW
20 ft 1 - 3 People $$
Fishing in Chatham
Fishing in Chatham
Fishing in Chatham
trip description for Early Season Striper 33’ Grady White in Chatham

Climb aboard with Captain Drew for an action-packed day of Cape Cod fishing! Cape Cod has some of the best fishing in the country and is home to prized fish all over the peninsula! On this half or full-day trip, Captain Drew will motor you out into the Cape Cod inshore where you can expect to target some Bonito and Striped Bass. Depending on the time of year, there are a few popular spots Captain Drew will take you to where the Stripers are biting! To target these fish, you'll get to use either light tackle or heavy tackle. Whatever method Captain Drew thinks is best, he will give you some of his expert tips to make sure you're ready to get one on the line! You'll be fishing aboard a 33’ Grady White Canyon center console that can comfortably fit 6 anglers. This do-it-all boat is perfect for navigating Chatham's nearshore fisheries and the open waters. She has been retrofitted with all brand-new top of the line electronics that will safely and comfortably get you to where the fish are swimming! It has plenty of forward or backward facing seating and even has a bathroom on board. Captain Drew will provide all rods, reels, tackle and live bait. All you need to bring is sunscreen (non-spray please!), polarized glasses, a hat, any snacks or drinks you might need and a Massachusetts fishing license. Book your trip today and get ready for a Northeast fishing adventure! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Chatham

Early Season Striper 33’ Grady White

NEW
33 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in Chatham
Fishing in Chatham
Fishing in Chatham
trip description for Tuna Trip - 26'  Regulator in Chatham

Climb aboard with Captain Drew for an action-packed day of Cape Cod fishing! Cape Cod has some of the best fishing in the country and is home to prized fish all over the peninsula! On this half or full-day trip, Captain Drew will take you into the offshore Cape Cod waters to the east of Chatham where you can expect to target some prized Bluefin Tuna! To target these picture-worthy fish you'll get to use either heavy tackle, trolling or jigging. Whatever method Captain Drew thinks is best, he will give you some of his expert tips to make sure you're ready to get one on the line! Book your trip during the summer months for a great chance at getting a Bluefin Tuna on the bait/troll and with topwater stickbaits. You'll be fishing aboard a 26’ Regulator Marine Classic center console that can comfortably fit 4 anglers. Powered by two F200 Yamaha four stroke engines with a 400 mile range, this is Captain Drew's go-anywhere, do-anything machine. One of the safest and most rugged boats you can find, she comes equipped with a redundant commercial grade electronics package including auto pilot and full offshore safety. The open deck layout provides tons of storage and makes it perfect for uninterrupted casting and jigging. Captain Drew swears this is a boat you want to be on! Captain Drew will provide all rods, reels, tackle and live bait. All you need to bring is sunscreen (non-spray please!), polarized glasses, a hat, any snacks or drinks you might need and a Massachusetts fishing license. Book your trip today and get ready for a Northeast fishing adventure! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Chatham

Tuna Trip - 26' Regulator

NEW
26 ft 1 - 4 People $$$
Fishing in Houston
Fishing in Houston
Fishing in Houston
trip description for Inshore Special in Houston

Hit the water with Captain Joey for an amazing day of inshore fishing! Expect to target Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and some Black Drum on your 5-hour (a half-day) or 8-hour (a full day) trip. The trip can host up to 4 people. Captain Joey requires you to bring a Texas Fishing License with a saltwater stamp and recommends that you bring sunscreen and sunglasses. He’ll take care of the rest. Captain Joey will provide rods and reels, artificial lures, and a cooler with ice and drinks. Enjoy your day on the water with Captain Joey! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Houston

Inshore Special

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Texas City
Fishing in Texas City
Fishing in Texas City
trip description for Bay Trip - 25' Boston Whaler in Texas City

Explore the magnificent waters out of Texas City, and have an amazing fishing adventure with Captain LG! Captain LG knows just where to go and what to do to catch the tarpon that live nearshore in the Gulf. His 25’ Boston Whaler center console boasts a comfortable ride and plenty of dry storage on board. It can accommodate 3 anglers for these trips. For this 6-hour (half-day) or 8-hour (full-day) adventure, all you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license with a saltwater stamp, snacks and drinks (no glass), sunscreen, a hat, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. Captain LG will provide you with quality rods and reels, artificial baits and lures, reimbursement for live bait, and fish processing after the trip. Have a fun morning, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain LG! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Texas City

Bay Trip - 25' Boston Whaler

100% (5)
25 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Texas City
Fishing in Texas City
Fishing in Texas City
trip description for Texas City Jetty Trip in Texas City

Explore the magnificent waters out of Texas City, and have an amazing fishing adventure with Captain LG! Captain LG knows just where to go and what to do to catch the tarpon that live nearshore in the Gulf. His 25’ Boston Whaler center console boasts a comfortable ride and plenty of dry storage on board. It can accommodate 3 anglers for these trips. For this 6-hour (half-day) or 8-hour (full-day) adventure, all you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license with a saltwater stamp, snacks and drinks (no glass), sunscreen, a hat, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. Captain LG will provide you with quality rods and reels, artificial baits and lures, reimbursement for live bait, and fish processing after the trip. Have a fun morning, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain LG! Read More

Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Texas City

Texas City Jetty Trip

100% (1)
25 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Texas City
Fishing in Texas City
Fishing in Texas City
trip description for Texas City Shark Trip in Texas City

Explore the magnificent waters out of Texas City, and have an amazing fishing adventure with Captain LG! Captain LG knows just where to go and what to do to catch the tarpon that live nearshore in the Gulf. His 25’ Boston Whaler center console boasts a comfortable ride and plenty of dry storage on board. It can accommodate 3 anglers for these trips. For this 6-hour (half-day) or 8-hour (full-day) adventure, all you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license with a saltwater stamp, snacks and drinks (no glass), sunscreen, a hat, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. Captain LG will provide you with quality rods and reels, artificial baits and lures, reimbursement for live bait, and fish processing after the trip. Have a fun morning, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain LG! Have a fun morning, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain LG! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Texas City

Texas City Shark Trip

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Galveston
Fishing in Galveston
Fishing in Galveston
trip description for West Bay Trip in Galveston

Come on down to Galveston, Texas and enjoy a fishing escapade to remember! Captain Jesse will be by your side throughout your 6-hour adventure in Galveston Bay. He’ll help you target Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Black Drum using live bait (live shrimp and croaker) and artificial bait. You may purchase live bait for an additional price. If you would like to wade fish, let Captain Jesse know and he will accommodate! For these trips, Captain Jesse uses his 23’ Gulf Coast center console boat which can accommodate up to 4 anglers. Captain Jesse is also passionate about teaching little ones the ropes, so this trip is great for families! Make sure you bring a valid Texas saltwater fishing license, food and drinks of your choice, a hat, sunscreen, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. Captain Jesse will provide all of the rods, reels, and lures. They will also clean and fillet your fish at no additional cost. Have a fun morning or a relaxing afternoon, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain Jesse! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Galveston

West Bay Trip

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 4 People $
Fishing in Baytown
Fishing in Baytown
Fishing in Baytown
trip description for Upper Galveston Bay Trip in Baytown

Come on down to Galveston, Texas and enjoy a fishing escapade to remember! Captain Jesse will be by your side throughout your 6-hour adventure in Galveston Bay. He’ll help you target Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Black Drum using live bait (live shrimp and croaker) and artificial bait. You may purchase live bait for an additional price. If you would like to wade fish, let Captain Jesse know and he will accommodate! For these trips, Captain Jesse uses his 23’ Gulf Coast center console boat which can accommodate up to 4 anglers. Captain Jesse is also passionate about teaching little ones the ropes, so this trip is great for families! Make sure you bring a valid Texas saltwater fishing license, food and drinks of your choice, a hat, sunscreen, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. His business will provide all of the rods, reels, and lures. They will also clean and fillet your fish at no additional cost. Have a fun morning or a relaxing afternoon, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain Jesse! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Baytown

Upper Galveston Bay Trip

NEW
23 ft 1 - 4 People $
Fishing in Galveston
Fishing in Galveston
Fishing in Galveston
trip description for 22' Whaler Inshore in Galveston

Captain Vincent will use his lifelong fishing experience and knowledge to take you where the fish are biting! Expect a whole lot of Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Tarpon on your half (6 hour) or full (8 hour) day adventure across the Galveston Bay. Captain Vincent will provide artificial bait, so hook one on and let it rip! Treat yourself and three others to a day on the water with Captain Vincent! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Galveston

22' Whaler Inshore

100% (2)
22 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Texas City
Fishing in Texas City
Fishing in Texas City
trip description for 22' Whaler Inshore - Texas City in Texas City

Come on down to Texas City and make some memories with Captain Vincent! Whether it’s your first time on the water or you are a seasoned professional, this trip is for you. Captain Vincent knows just where to go and what to do to catch the Flounder, Redfish, and Speckled Trout that live inshore. For these 6-hour (half-day) and 8-hour (full day) trips, Capt. Vincent uses his 22’ Boston Whaler center console, which can accommodate up to 4 anglers. Make sure to bring a valid Texas Fishing License with a saltwater stamp as well as any food and drinks of your choice (no glass). Captain Vincent will provide all rods and reels (you may bring your own if you’d like), as well as artificial bait. Bring your kids or your angling buddies and head out on a fishing adventure to remember! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Texas City

22' Whaler Inshore - Texas City

NEW
22 ft 1 - 4 People $$

Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip

What are the best muskie fishing trips?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 9 muskie trips, and the most popular trips are Tennessee Musky Fishing guided by Steven, Wallhanger Musky Guide Trips guided by Josh, and Tennessee Musky Fly Fishing guided by Steven.

Our guides are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2545 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly muskie guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly muskie guides.

What types of muskie fishing trips are common?

Lake fishing is the most popular for muskie as well as river fishing.

The most common fishing techniques are light tackle fishing, artificial lure fishing, and fly fishing but topwater fishing and sight casting are popular as well.

How much does a muskie fishing trip cost?

for muskie prices can range anywhere from about $345 to $585, but the average price for a half day trip for muskie is $335. The average price for a full day trip for muskie is $517.

What month is best for muskie fishing?

The most popular season for muskie fishing is spring, and most anglers book their trips 25 days in advance.

Do I need a fishing license for muskie and what are the bag limits for muskie?

See here for more information on muskie fishing licenses, muskie bag limits, and fishing season regulations for muskie. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right muskie rules and regulations.

What is a Muskie?


The muskellunge (that’s the name his parents gave him, but everyone calls him muskie or musky for short) is an alpha freshwater predator in North America. This is the pike’s big brother both figuratively (they’ll eat pike) and literally (the muskie is the largest member of the pike family of fish).

The name muskellunge comes from tribes native to the northern US and Canada, and originally meant “great fish” or “big pike”. The fish itself is a large ambush predator with a long, thin shape built for speed. They have an impressive set of chompers built for snagging prey, and just like pike they will eat nearly anything that is unlucky enough to be nearby, including reptiles and mammals and other fish that appear almost too large to even fit in the muskie’s mouth. 

Muskie are targeted mostly for sport and as a trophy fish due to their size and the difficulty and skill involved of catching them - they aren’t known as the fish of 10,000 casts for nothing.

How big do muskie get?


Muskie closely resemble their family members the pike and even the American pickerel in both appearance and behavior but reach substantially larger sizes. Muskie are typically between 28 and 48 inches and between 15 and 35 pounds, but they are known to reach up to 72 inches long and 70 pounds in extreme cases. Juvenile fish tend to grow to about 12 inches in their first year.

What's the biggest Muskie ever caught?


When fishing for muskie it is more common to brag in terms of inches than pounds, and a 50 inch fish seems to be the threshold for what are considered to be trophy fish. There are two fish that compete for the world record muskie and while the true record is somewhat contested, both fish are just over 60 inches and almost 70 pounds. Fish about this size have been seen when doing electroshocking on certain lakes as well.

In 2013 a man named John Grover allegedly caught a 64 inch musky on the shores of Lake Michigan but mistook the current record to be 70 inches so he let his fish go before official measurement. 


Many suspect Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota to be the home of the next big record.

What is a tiger muskie?

Tiger muskies are highly sought after combinations of a pike and a muskie. The tiger muskie is the sterile offspring of a northern pike and a true muskie, and this hybrid is known for its unique look. While true muskies and northern pike are generally fairly similar in appearance, a tiger muskie - while the same general shape - has a unique set of vertical stripes on its sides, giving it the distinct name.

Tiger muskies are said to have hybrid strength, and grow 1.5 times quicker than a true muskie and also fight harder pound for pound.

The tiger muskie generally falls in between the true muskie and the northern pike in terms of size, and the current (alleged) record tiger muskie was caught in 2011 by Charlie Gallagher in Minnesota. His fish was 50 inches long with a 25 inch girth and an estimated weight of 49 pounds. He released the fish, citing that he couldn’t bear to take it and see it belly up.

Where is the best place to catch muskie?

Muskie are a freshwater fish that are endemic to northeastern US ranging from the Great Lakes and St. Lawnrence River to Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Valley. They have been introduced elsewhere, up to Maine and also across the northern US and Canada over to Washington and Vancouver, but they are considered invasive and harmful to local species and anglers are encouraged not to release them back to the wild if caught.

If you want your best chance as a muskie, head to Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, or Ontario. These states have all the biggest fish on record and also have the biggest amount of hospitable water area for the fish.

Muskies prefer clear, shallow lake waters with plenty of vegetation to help them spawn and attach unsuspecting prey. To find the best muskie, it is recommended to find the lakes with the biggest concentrations of ciscoes and other forage fish which can help fatten up the muskie population.

When should I catch Muskie?

With the exception of winter, there are plenty of great opportunities to get out there and hunt down a muskie.

In spring all the hardcore anglers are chomping at the bit to get out there and target some muskie again. Muskie don’t start actively feeding at the beginning of the season due to the stresses of winter and the rigors of the spawn, but this is what presents a nice challenge for the impatient angler. The angler should focus on shallower lakes that will warm faster.

In summer, water temp will be higher and fish will be most active. Muskie will congregate around weeded areas where they can ambush prey.

Fall is the time for trophy muskie, with the peak months for big fish September and October. Muskie are looking to put on fat for the winter.

 

How do you catch Muskie?


Muskies usually have two distinct ranges in their home waters during the season, a shallow and a deep range. They will move around depending on water temperature and bait.

In spring, muskies are generally sluggish this time of year and will not spend time chasing lures. Smaller lures are easier this time of year to convince the muskie they need a quick bite to eat, and the retrieve can be slow.

Once water temperature is back above 60 degrees in the summer anglers can start using heavier tackle and bigger lures with a faster retrieve and can work deeper areas with larger spinner baits, bucktails, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and even spoons.

If the water temperature is above 70, the fish will slow down again, and it is best to work them in the morning and evening, and trolling comes into play.

In the Fall as the temperature cools you can resort to spring tactics in reverse, although the fish should be a little easier as they try to gain weight for the winter.

As a general rule, muskie can be finicky and may appear but not seem to like the presentation. There is a reason they are known as the “fish of 10,000 casts”. Sometimes they can be enticed with a last minute figure-8 by the boat but more often than not they will swim away and leave you trying again. This contrasts with pike, who are more likely to eat anything they can get their hands on.

Are Muskie good to eat? What are the best Muskie recipes?

Muskie are not known to be good eating and are pursued mainly as a trophy fish, with most anglers practicing catch and release. Muskie also grow slowly, so it is best for populations for them to live another day. Trophy mounts today can be made based on images and measurements. In places where the muskie is not native, it is recommended to keep the fish not for food, but so that there is less disturbance of native populations, including lake trout. 



Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    What a great day on Melton Hill Lake with Steve. He knows the water like he has been fishing it all his life. Exactly what our group was looking for and he moved things around to make it work for us. Awesome guy and expert Musky guide!

    Jeff L. with Steven P. of Knoxville, Tennessee

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