Muskellunge Management

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• Characteristics of Trophy-Sized Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) Angled from Ontario Waters, 1917-2010.

   

  
  Kerr, S. J., A. Kirkpatrick, and T. J. Haxton. 2011. Characteristics of trophy-sized muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) angled from Ontario waters, 1917-2010. Fisheries Policy Section, Biodiversity Branch. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, Ontario. 7 p. + appendices.
  
  Summary: An effort was made to compile a listing of trophy-sized muskellunge which have been angled from Ontario waters. A trophy-sized muskellunge in this study was defined as a fish exceeding 114 cm (45 inches) in length or 10.0 kg (22 pounds) in weight. Information was obtained for a total of 9,708 muskellunge which were angled in Ontario between 1917 and 2010. The majority of records originated from volunteer angler diaries maintained by members of Muskies Inc. and Muskies Canada Inc. Most trophy-sized muskellunge were angled early in the season and numbers decreased as the season progressed. The geographic distribution of trophy-sized muskellunge was spread well over their Ontario range. There was a significant positive trend in the maximum size of muskellunge reported annually. There was also a significant increase in the maximum size of muskellunge reported after the changes to minimum size limit regulations in 2001.
  Document: Characteristics of Trophy-Sized Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) Angled from Ontario Waters, 1917-2010  (PDF, 440 kb)
  
   

•  Muskellunge of the Ottawa River

   

  
  Kerr, S. J., 2010. Biodiversity Branch. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, Ontario. 21 p. + appendices.
  Summary: The Ottawa River supports a world class muskellunge fishery and muskellunge has been identified as a feature species to be highlighted in the development of a fisheries management plan for the Ontario portion of the Ottawa River. This report was prepared as a background document for the new Fisheries Management Zone 12 Advisory Council.
  Document: Muskellunge of the Ottawa River  (PDF, 850 kb)
   

  

• Distribution and Management of Muskellunge in North America: An Overview

   

  
  Kerr, S. J., 2011. Fisheries Policy Section, Biodiversity Branch. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, Ontario. 22 p. + appendices.
  Summary:A survey of North American jurisdictions was conducted to determine the current distribution of muskellunge as well as document different muskellunge management approaches. Information was obtained for a total of 1,866 muskellunge waters.  Forty-six percent of all North American muskellunge waters (864 waters) have resulted from introductions.  Almost 73% of all muskellunge waters are currently sustained by natural reproduction.  Many jurisdictions stock muskellunge with the management goal of creating or maintaining trophy angling opportunities. More than 900,000 muskellunge were stocked in North America in 2010.  Open seasons, catch limits, and size limits are commonly used to management muskellunge fisheries in North America. Management issues reported by various agencies include habitat destruction, pollution, exploitation, invasive species, and diseases/pathogens.
  Document: Distribution and Management of Muskellunge in North America: An Overview  (PDF, 546 kb)

   



• Ontario's 2011 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program

  
  
  2012. Kerr, S. J., D. Heinbuck, S. Powell, G. Olson, and J. Bunch. Ontario’s 2011 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Muskies Canada Incorporated.Peterborough, Ontario.
  Summary: Volunteer anglers reported angling results from a total of 92 different Ontario waterbodies in 2011.Anglers participating in the 2011 program reported 20,812.2 rod hours of angling effort. Those same anglers reported catching a total of 1,235 muskellunge. This represents an angling success rate of 0.059 fish per rod hour. Angled muskellunge ranged from 12.0 – 55.75 inches (30.5 – 141.6 cm) in length. The largest muskellunge angled during the 2011 fishing season was a fish measuring 55.75 inches (141.6 cm) in total length.  4 pages, 2 appendicies.
  Document:  Ontario's 2011 Volunterr Muskellunge Angler Diary Program  (PDF, 184 kb)
   

   

• Ontario's 2010 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program

  
  
  2011. Kerr, S. J., and S. Powell, Ontario Ministry of natural Resources. D. Heinbuck, Muskies Canada Inc.
  Summary:  This report summarizes information collected on Ontario’s muskellunge fisheries by volunteer angler during the 2010 fishing season.  In 2010, volunteer anglers reported fishing for 17,999 hours on sixty-five different Ontario waters to catch a total of 946 muskellunge.  Based on the reported angling effort, the overall catch-per-unit-of-effort (CUE) was 0.053 fish/rod hour. The average size of muskellunge angled in 2010 was 36.0 inches (91.4 cm).  The largest muskellunge, in terms of length, was a 56.0 inch (142.2 cm) fish angled from the St. Lawrence River.
  Document:  Ontario's 2010 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program  (PDF, 208 kb)
   

• Ontario's 2009 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program

  
  
  2010. Kerr, S. J., and S. Powell, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. D. Heinbuck, Muskies Canada Inc.
  Summary:  This report summarizes information collected on Ontario’s muskellunge fisheries by volunteer angler during the 2009 fishing season.  In 2009, volunteer anglers reported fishing for 16,609 hours on fifty-one different Ontario waters to catch a total of 964 muskellunge.  Based on the reported angling effort, the overall catch-per-unit-of-effort (CUE) was 0.058 fish/rod hour. The average size of muskellunge angled in 2009 was 37.2 inches (94.5 cm).  The largest muskellunge, in terms of length, was a 59.3 inch (150.6 cm) fish angled from Lake St. Clair.
  Document:   Ontario's 2009 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program  (PDF, 150 kb)
   




• Ontario's 2008 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program

  
  
  2009. Kerr, Steven J., Tom Mosindy, Stan Powell, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Davin Heinbuck, Muskies Canada.
  Summary: This report summarizes information collected on Ontario's muskellunge fisheries by volunteer anglers.  The 2008 program represents the 30th consecutive year that volunteer anglers have provided MNR with information on muskellunge fishing activities and biological information from their catches. In 2008 volunteer anglers reported fishing for 22,913 hours on fifty different Ontario waters to catch a total of 1,183 muskellunge.  Only five fish were harvested so anglers released over 99% of the muskellunge they caught.  The average size of angled muskellunge caught in 2008 was 37.2 inches in length. The largest muskellunge, in terms of length, was a fish measuring 59.0 inches which was angled from the St. Lawrence River.  In total, there were forty-four muskellunge which exceeded 50 inches in length. A similar program is planned for 2009.
  Document: Ontario's 2008 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program  (PDF, 280 kb)
   



• Ontario's 2007 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program

  
  
  2008. Kerr, S. J., and S. Powell, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. D. Heinbuck, Muskies Canada Inc.
  Summary:  This report summarizes information collected on Ontario’s muskellunge fisheries by volunteer angler during the 2007 fishing season. In 2007, volunteer anglers reported fishing for 18,345 hours on forty-nine different Ontario waters to catch a total of 1,095 muskellunge. Based on the reported angling effort, the overall catch-per-unit-of-effort (CUE) was 0.060 fish/rod hour. The average size of muskellunge angled in 2007 was 35.6 inches (90.4 cm). The largest muskellunge, in terms of length, was a 56.0 inch (142.2 cm) fish angled from the St. Lawrence River.
  Document:  Ontario's 2007 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program  (PDF, 63 kb)
  
   

• Ontario's 2006 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program

  
  
  2007. Kerr, S. J., Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. D. Heinbuck, Muskies Canada Inc.
  Summary: This report summarizes information collected on Ontario’s muskellunge fisheries by volunteer angler during the 2006 fishing season.  In 2006, volunteer anglers reported fishing for 16,269 hours on forty-six different Ontario waters to catch a total of 862 muskellunge.  Based on the reported angling effort, the overall catch-per-unit-of-effort (CUE) was 0.053 fish/rod hour. The average size of muskellunge angled in 2006 was 38.1 inches (96.8 cm).  The largest muskellunge, in terms of length, was a 58.0 inch (147.3 cm) fish angled from the St. Lawrence River.
  Document:  Ontario's 2006 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program  (PDF, 60 kb)
  
   

• Ontario's 2005 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program

  
  
  2006. Kerr, S. J., Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
  Summary:  This report summarizes information collected on Ontario's muskellunge fisheries by volunteer angler during the 2005 fishing season.  In 2005, volunteer anglers reported fishing for 24,336 hours on fifty different Ontario waters to catch a total of 1,495 muskellunge.  Based on the reported angling effort, the overall catch-per-unit-of-effort (CUE) was 0.061 fish/rod hour. The average size of muskellunge angled in 2005 was 36.6 inches (93.0 cm).  The largest muskellunge, in terms of length, was a 54.5 inch (138.4 cm) fish angled from the lower Ottawa River.
  Document:  Ontario's 2005 Volunteer Muskellunge Angler Diary Program  (PDF, 132 kb)
  
   

• Catch-and-Release Angling: A Review with Guidelines for Proper Fish Handling Practices

  
  
  2005. Casselman, S. J., Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
  Summary: Catch-and-release angling is growing rapidly in popularity and practice.  This report reviews the scientific information relating to proper angling, handling and release techniques to ensure that angled fish survive when released.  Variables influencing the stress and survival of angled fish are reviewed and guidelines are provided. 29 pages
  Document: Catch-and-Release Angling: A Review with Guidelines for Proper Fish Handling Practices  (PDF, 323 kb)
  
   

• Characteristics of Ontario Muskellunge Fisheries Based on Volunteer Angler Diary Information

  
  2004. Kerr, S. J., Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
  Summary: This report consolidates volunteer angler diary information, collected from a variety of sources, over a period of more than forty years, to provide an overview of muskellunge sport fisheries in Ontario. 138 pages.
  Document: Characteristics of Ontario Muskellunge Fisheries Based on Volunteer Angler Diary Information  (PDF, 1.4 mb.)
  
   

• Effective Release Techniques for Muskellunge

  
  1999. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
  Summary: This brochure outlines techniques for the handling, measuring and photographing of muskellunge to minimize stress on the fish and ensure successful post-release survival.  8 pages
  Document: Effective Release Techniques for Muskellunge  (PDF, 845 kb)
  
   

• Managing Muskies in the 90s Workshop Proceedings

  1995. S. J. Kerr and C. H. Olver [eds.].Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
  Summary:  These workshop proceedings were prepared to summarize and transfer information from 18 papers which were presented at a two day workshop from August 16-17, 1995, in Kemptville, Ontario. 157 pages
  Document: Managing Muskies in the 90s Workshop Proceedings. (PDF, 10 mb)
  
   

• Guidelines for Competitive Fishing Events for Muskellunge in Ontario

  2007. Kerr, S. J., Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
  Summary: Although competitive fishing events for muskellunge are relatively uncommon, there is growing interest in these events. Muskellunge have some unique features that leave them vulnerable to the stress of capture and handling. Competitive fishing activities for muskellunge where fish are held for periods of time should generally be discouraged. However, these guidelines were created to provide best management practices for organizers and participants in tournaments that are directed at muskellunge.  11 pages.
  Document: Guidelines for Competitive Fishing Events for Muskellunge in Ontario  (PDF, 44 kb)