Cleithra and scales were obtained from each of 110 muskellunge captured by anglers in the Niagara River. The results obtained from cleithral age‐and‐growth analysis were compared to those from a similar scale analysis. Ages agreed on 87% of the sample. When ages disagreed, it was most often judged that the cleithral age was correct. Fish older than IX+ years could not be aged from scales, but cleithra were useful for fish as old as XVI+ years. Lengths back‐calculated from the two techniques were statistically (95% level) equivalent at all ages except age I.
Catch and Release Muskie Fishing – Let Them Go – Let Them Grow