If you’re a fan of freshwater monsters, chances are you’re familiar with the state fish of Wisconsin. Aptly named the “fish of ten thousand casts,” this ferocious fighter will give any angler a run for their money. Of course, we’re talking about the notorious Muskellunge, and today, you’re going to find out what makes this guy a symbol of the Badger State.
Muskellunge, or Muskies, are some of the most elusive and hardest-fighting freshwater fish you’ll find. Highly aggressive and whip-smart, these apex predators attract thousands of hopeful anglers to Wisconsin every year.
Why Wisconsin, you ask? Well, these parts are home to some of the largest Muskies out there. In fact, the largest Muskellunge ever caught came right out of these waters. But more on that in a minute. First, let’s see what makes Muskellunge so special.
More Than Just Muscle
It takes just one look at a Muskellunge to recognize you’re dealing with a different kind of fish. With muscular, torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth, these guys have “top of the food chain” written all over them.
Not to be confused with Pike, Muskies are among the largest freshwater fish you can catch. Adult Muskies range from 28 inches upward, with lunkers over 45 inches being considered trophies. Still, it’s not just physical presence that makes these guys stand out. It’s also their behavior.
Some call them unpredictable, others call them moody, but the fact of the matter is that Muskies are scary smart. As supreme ambush predators, these fish will prowl everywhere from deep weedy crags to clear shallows for a good meal.
And when we say good meal, we mean a big one. Muskellunge can eat fish ⅔ of their own size, and that includes other Muskies, too!
Largest Muskie Ever
There are many reasons why Muskellunge is the state fish of Wisconsin, but one stands out from the rest. On July 24, 1949, Hayward angler Cal Johnson caught a giant Muskellunge on Lake Court Oreilles (Lac Courte Oreilles). The behemoth weighed in at a whopping 67 pounds 8 ounces, officially becoming the largest Muskie ever caught. Today, Hayward’s Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is a testament to Cal’s success and the town’s rich fishing history.
Wisconsin’s world record might be an old one, but that doesn’t mean that giant Muskellunge aren’t prowling its waters to this day. In fact, anglers regularly report catches over 40 and even over 50 inches.
Catching the State Fish of Wisconsin
Catching a Wisconsin Muskie is one of the most challenging but, ultimately, most rewarding experiences an angler can have. Boating this powerhouse will require every bit of skill you have, but if you succeed, boy will you have a story to tell.
Muskies are sight hunters and, as such, they prefer clear waters. Often lurking around cover, they’re constantly looking to set up the perfect ambush. Look for them near drop-offs, sand bars, and weed edges or in shady areas along the shore.
Presentation-wise, you can go with live bait or a variety of lures. Depending on their size, Muskies will go for anything from suckers to Perch, to Trout. If you’re dropping lures, large jigs, jerkbaits, diving plugs, and bucktail spinners can all produce a strike. But don’t think for a minute that a strike is all you need.
These fish will fight you for every inch of line, leaping out of the water and diving down deep as they do. Heck, they’ll even wrap your line around the nearest rock if they feel like it.
If you want to catch the state fish of Wisconsin, there’s one thing you’ll need more than any other. Patience. These fish are strong, fast, and smart, and there isn’t a Muskie angler out there to whom they haven’t given a hard time.
Catching a Muskie might be a challenge, but get things right, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most memorable angling experiences of your life.
If you want to learn more about fishing in Wisconsin, read our complete guide.
Have you ever caught a Muskie? What’s your favorite thing about the state fish of Wisconsin? Drop us your thoughts in the comments below.
