After nearly a century of muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) propagation in Wisconsin, hatchery production is capable of meeting the stocking needs of management. Stocking of fertilized eggs, fry, fingerlings or yearling age muskellunge can each be used in developing a cost-effective stocking strategy if environmental conditions of a specific waterbody are known. While low post-stocking survival rates have been a management problem, stocking efforts still contribute to the sport fishery. However, future stocking strategies need to consider the implications of stocking with regard to natural stocks of muskellunge and other fishes.
Catch and Release Muskie Fishing – Let Them Go – Let Them Grow