Muskie

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

large freshwater lakes and rivers.
muskie prefer clear, cool water with moderate current and plenty of cover.
Connecticut: Housatonic River, Candlewood River, Lake Lillnonah, Connecticut River, Lake Zoar, Squantz Pond.
Massachusetts: Quabbin Reservoir, Connecticut River, Ware River, Swift River, Chicopee River.
Maine: Penobscot River, Androscoggin River, St. John River, Sebec Lake, Moosehead Lake, Allagash River, Kennebec River.
New Hampshire: Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Echo Lake, Sunapee Lake, Lake Wentworth.
New Jersey: Upper Delaware River, Musconetong River, Round Valley Reservoir, Spruce Run reservoir, Lake Hoptcong.
New York: Finger Lakes, particularly Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake George, Niagra River, Oswego River, Black River, St Regis River.
Pennsylvania: Susquehanna River, Lake Erie, Lake Wallenpaupack, Pymatuning Reservoir, Raystown Lake, Conneat Lake, Shenango River Lake, Alleghaney River.
Rhode Island: Better Luck at surrounding states.
Vermont: Lake Champlain, Lake Carmi, Lake Bomoseen, Lake St, Catherine, Otter Creek

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Areas with rocky or sandy bottoms, as well as weed beds and flooded timber/logs.
Rock piles, ledges, and other hard structures as they provide cover and ambush points.
Points and drop-offs
Current breaks: Muskie will often be found around current breaks, such as the eddies created by islands and other structures.
Deep holes: Muskie will often be found in deep holes, particularly during the summer months, as the cooler water can hold more oxygen and the muskie can find more food.

PATTERNS

SPRING

Muskie begin to move into shallow waters to spawn, making them more vulnerable to anglers. This is a good time to fish for them as they are more aggressive and willing to bite.

SUMMER

Muskie tend to move to deeper water and seek refuge from the warmer surface temperatures. Target them in areas with cooler, oxygen-rich water such as deep weed edges, rock piles, and drop-offs.
Use techniques such as trolling with large crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and bucktail spinners to cover a wide area and locate active muskie. Focus on varying your trolling speed and depth to find the optimal presentation for enticing strikes.
Additionally, consider casting to structure such as submerged timber, rocky points, and weed beds with topwater lures, jerkbaits, and swimbaits during low light conditions or overcast days when muskie are more likely to be actively feeding near the surface.

FALL

Muskie will begin to move back into shallow waters to feed before winter. This is a good time to fish for them as they are more active and can be caught using a variety of techniques.

WINTER

Less active and will be found in deeper warmer waters. Slower moving lures will work better.
Additionally, consider fishing near areas with warm water discharges or underwater springs where muskie may gather to seek out slightly warmer water temperatures and increase their activity levels.