DESCRIPTION: World renown for its bad attitude, this fish has an average length of 36 inches to 50+ inches. The colour of this fish can be extremely variable but always having dark markings on a light background, which is in contrast to the Northern Pike. The colour varies from iridescent green-gold to light brown, gray, or vary silvery. This fish has similar features to the Northern Pike including the shape of its body, the positioning of its eyes, and the amount of razor sharp teeth in its mouth. A distinct feature to identify this species is the presence of small pores under its bottom jaw. This fish will have from 12 to 18 pores in comparison to a Northern Pike which will have a maximum of only 11 pores.

DISTRIBUTION: Lac Seul is fast becoming known for its World Class Live Release Muskellunge fishing. There have been fish caught on this lake that exceed the present World Record but have not been entered or have been disqualified due to technicalities. This is only one of the many area lakes where this species is found. We also fish for Muskellunge on Little Vermilion, Closs, Cedarbough, Maskinonge, and Hooch lakes. These fish are angled for in various settings including weed beds, stump fields, reefs, sand beaches, and rocky shorelines. They spawn in the spring shortly after the ice has melted (but later than the Northern Pike) usually in early to mid May when the water temperature is between 49° F and 59° F.

ANGLING METHODS: The majority of these fish are caught by casting large artificial baits. A description of the baits used for this species can be seen below. Another technique used is to troll for them. This is done at a rather high trolling speed and artificial baits are again used.

TROPHY MUSKELLUNGE FISHING: Most of the lakes we fish have Muskies in them but we will target Lac Seul for the Trophy Muskie Fishing. Lac Seul is home of some of the largest Silver Muskies in Ontario and it is not uncommon to catch a big Tiger Muskie as well. If you're more for Muskie action with a greater rate of success catching this elusive fighter, you can fish Big Vermilion Lake, Little Vermilion Lake, Cedarbough, Maskinonge, and Hooch Lakes where they are typically not as big as a Lac Seul Muskie but with higher populations on smaller lakes, your success rate will be higher. These smaller lakes also have higher populations of Tiger Muskies. We also have groups that stay at our Lac Seul Fly-in Outposts that do trophy Muskie fishing, and they do very well!

TACKLE:

EQUIPMENT:

Angling Experience	Suggested Equipment
Novice	ROD: 6' to 6'6 in length, one or two piece, heavy action, Spinning rod REEL: Spinning reel with the capacity for approximately 200 yards of 10 lb. test of 165 yards of 12 lb. Test LINE: Trilene (or similar) 20 lb. +, Power Pro or any specialized "Muskie" line.
Seasoned	ROD: 6' to 7' in length, one or two piece, medium-heavy to heavy action, Spinning or Casting rod. REEL: Spinning or Baitcasting reel with the capacity for approximately 165 yards of 12 lb. test or 130 yards of 17 lb. Test LINE: Trilene (or similar) 20 lb. +, Power Pro or any specialized "Muskie" line.
Veteran	ROD: 6' to 7' in length, one or two piece, medium to heavy action, Spinning or Casting rod. REEL: Spinning or Baitcasting reel with the capacity for approximately 165 yards of 12 lb. test or 130 yards of 17 lb. Test LINE: Trilene (or similar) 20 lb. +, Power Pro or any specialized "Muskie" line.