What do you know about Muskie?

Type: Nontidal
Region: Western
Location: Potomac

Mike Peters and I went out early Saturday to catch some of those Big Long fish. We fished till about 7pm. It was freezing cloudy and extremely windy. We still dont haven't a clue on how to catch MUSKY...!?!?!?! Well anyways all we caught and released were these 2 little Sixers. Photos courtesy of Mike Peters.

DNR RESPONSE via John Mullican, Fisheries Biologist: The muskie is considered a �fish of a thousand casts� for good reason. The muskie population in the Potomac River is maintained solely by natural reproduction. As a large, top-of-the-food-chain predator, reproduction and survival are relatively low. This is nature�s way of making sure such a large predator doesn�t become too abundant and negatively impact other species. As a result, simply catching a muskie, any muskie, is generally considered a good day! This is also why it has become more important than ever to voluntarily release muskie as the popularity of the muskie fishery has increased.

Fishable numbers of muskie can be found throughout the upper Potomac from Alleghany County downstream to Montgomery County. Muskie use a variety of habitats depending on the season, but the slower, deeper sections of the river are a good place to start. Use lures and methods that can cover water quickly with fast retrieves until a muskie is located (they frequently follow lures without striking). Try different lures as sometimes one is preferred over another. Also, be sure to have the appropriate tools available (pistol grip hook-outs, very large needle nose pliers, net or cradle) to safely remove the hooks when that lucky cast finally comes along. For more information on handling and releasing muskie contact me at [email protected].