Partnerships in Muskellunge Management

The muskellunge enjoys an almost mystical reputation among Ontario anglers. Its elusive nature, voracious appetite, fighting qualities and ability to reach an immense size contribute to its status as one of the most highly prized species in Ontario.

Through its 13 chapters, Muskies Canada Inc. works to protect the muskellunge and its habitat, enhance local muskellunge fisheries and raise public awareness of this magnificent fish.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Muskies Canada work cooperatively on a number of research and management projects, including: 

Muskellunge Restoration in Lake Simcoe – The goal of this project is to re-establish muskellunge in Lake Simcoe.  Each spring, wild eggs are collected at Gloucester Pool, downstream from the lake. The eggs are hatched and reared to fall fingerling and yearling stages before they are carefully released back into Lake Simcoe.  The Toronto Chapter of Muskies Canada has helped MNR with this project.

Les biologistes du MRN Brad Allen et Jason Borwick retirent les œufs d’un maskinongé femelle.

"Know the Difference" Signs –  Muskellunge and northern pike are similar in size and shape and may sometimes be difficult to tell apart. This project aims to teach the differences between the two.  "Know The Difference" signs and are being erected at  locations around Ontario including launch ramps, marinas and lodges.  In 2009 it is hoped that more than 200 signs can be installed in the Kawartha Lakes region.

Volunteer Angler Diary Program – In this program, muskie anglers keep a log of their fishing activities to support muskie research and management.   Anglers record where and when they fished, the time spent, what was caught, and the size of any muskie caught and released.  Each chapter of Muskies Canada takes part and for more than 30 years has forwarded the data to MNR.  Using these angler records, fisheries managers can monitor the status of muskie populations on various Ontario waters over time.

A radio transmitter will be inserted in this Saugeen River muskellunge by MNR biologist Andy McKee.

Saugeen River Radiotelemetry Project – The Owen Sound area is the focus of another multi-year, muskellunge research project. The Saugeen River Radiotelemetry Project involves capturing muskies and inserting a radio tag through a small incision in the skin.  The radio signals allow MNR and Muskies Canada members to track each fish's movements and document habitat preferences in the Saugeen River.  The Kitchener-Waterloo Chapter of Muskies Canada has assisted in this project documenting spawning sites and overwintering habitat in the river.

Catch and Release Study -- Many muskellunge anglers promote catch and release assuming that the majority of fish survive the stress of angling.  Members of the Ottawa Valley Chapter of Muskies Canada are assisting Dr. Steven Cooke of Carleton University in a study to determine physiological responses of muskellunge to angling and to examine post-release survival rates.  The results of this study should lead to the development of guidelines for the safe handling and release of large fish such as muskellunge.

Young-of-Year Monitoring on the St. Lawrence River –  Each August, the Gananoque Chapter members work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and St. Lawrence Islands National Parks to seine for muskies hatched in the spring. This project allows MNR to identify and evaluate nursery habitat to ensure its protection in the future.

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