Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)
(Fertilized Egg)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
370 Wisconsin Temperature Example 322 109
Details
Hatching occurs in 814 days at 12°17°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
371 Wisconsin Temperature Example 350 109
Details
Hatching occurs in 1321 days at 10°21°C, and in 6 days at 20°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
372 Wisconsin Temperature Limit 322 109
Water Level Limit
Details
A factor limiting muskellunge reproduction is the presence of cold water
temperatures and fluctuating water levels at spawning time.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1158 Oxygen Requirement 809 798
Details
High DO levels are critical for developing embryos and larvae.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1159 Phys. Assoc. Requirement 822 798
Details
If muskellunge spawn on vegetation, enough structure is provided to keep
eggs off the bottom yet allow for the circulation of water (as with
northern pike).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1160 Phys. Assoc. Lethal 807 798
Details
Eggs may be covered by detritus and silt, which can cause anoxic conditions.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1161 Oxygen Lethal 809 798
Details
Some spawning habitats may have a high BOD, which may cause micro-
stratification in the DO at the bottomwater interface. This results
in anoxic conditions around the developing eggs.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1162 Hydrogen Lethal 799 798
Sulphide
Details
Depletion of DO near the bottom limits muskellunge reproduction success.
Microstratification may also allow toxic substances such as hydrogen sulfide
(H2S) to increase to toxic levels, causing mortality in developing embryos.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1165 Temperature Example 322 798
Details
Hatching occurs in 814 days at 12.2°16.7°C water temperatures.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1181 Water Level Lethal 63 798
Details
Decreasing springtime water level strands spawners and young and exposes
eggs.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1208 Oxygen Limit 3.2 mg/l 808 798
Details
Habitat rehabilitation measures are needed in muskellunge spawning substrate
if the DO concentration falls below 3.2 mg/l.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1209 Depth Characteristic <1 m 798 -
Water Level Lethal
Details
Because muskellunge generally spawn in water <1 m deep, declining water
levels can affect embryos, larvae, and, possibly, fingerlings and adults may
be stranded. Embryos and newly hatched larvae are immobile until the yolk
sac is absorbed and are the most vulnerable to a decline in water level.
As muskellunge larvae grow, they are more likely able to avoid receding
water levels.
Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)
Lake Huron (Juvenile)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1170 Southern Phys. Assoc. Characteristic 805 798
Georgian Bay Depth Characteristic 1 m
Temperature Characteristic 24°C
Details
Typical nursery habitat in southern Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, for 50mm
(range 1698 mm) muskellunge was composed of eight families of emergent
and floating vegetation and nine species of submergent vegetation. Sedge
was the most abundant emergent family. Bushy pondweed, Chara spp.,
and variable pondweed were the predominant submergent species.
Emergent and floating vegetation were most common near shore and
decreased in density as mean depth increased. Submerged vegetation
increased in density off shore. These nursery areas were 1 m deep,
and substrate consisted of sand, muck, and a siltdetritus mixture.
In the nursery areas, 19 other fish species were found with largemouth
bass, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed the most common. The mean water
temperature was 24°C in the nursery habitats.
Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)
(Juvenile)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
374 Temperature Limit >30°C 376 109
Turbidity Limit
Light Characteristic Night
Details
Fingerling feeding drops off as water temperature exceeds 30°C. Turbid
waters interfere with feeding. There is probably little feeding after dark.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
523 Pred/Prey Example 209 110
Details
Introduction of muskellunge into a lake eliminated most young bass survival.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1171 Movement Example 818 798
Details
Movements and habitat selection of stocked muskellunge averaging ~300 mm
were documented. Movements of stocked muskellunge across large expanses
of open water were rare, and mean daily movements averaged ~100 m.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1172 Whitefish Lake, Movement Characteristic 818 798
Wisconsin Phys. Assoc. Prefer
Trego Lake, Area of Water Prefer
Wisconsin Temperature Tolerate 32.2°C
Details
In Whitefish Lake, Wisconsin, fish established small home ranges, and
preferred areas with bulrush and pondweed or areas with welldeveloped
structures (sand bars or rocky points). In Trego Lake, Wisconsin,
stocked fish used areas near fallen trees, boat docks, and an offshore
shoal on which watermilfoil and wild celery were the dominant submerged
vegetation. Juvenile muskellunge can withstand water temperature as
high as 32.2°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1195 Temperature Limit 32.5°C 820 798
Details
Juvenile muskellunge have an upper lethal temperature of 32.5°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1196 - Pred/Prey Characteristic 830 798
Details
Size selectivity of forage fish may start at a very early age.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1198 Oxygen Tolerate <1 mg/l 816 798
Details
Muskellunge avoid anoxic waters and concentrate in areas of higher oxygen
as DO diminishes in a lake. Juveniles can survive, for short periods of
time, at DO <1 mg/l.
Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)
(Larva)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
372 Wisconsin Temperature Limit 322 109
Water Level Limit
Details
Factors limiting muskellunge reproduction are the presence of cold water
temperatures and fluctuating water levels at spawning time.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
373 Wisconsin Pred/Prey Characteristic 322 109
Details
Muskellunge fry feed on live zooplankton the first four feeding days. If
forage fish are not present, they may continue on it for >30 days. Live
forage fish are preferred after four days and usually required after
muskellunge are >40 mm.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1131 Pred/Prey Characteristic 798 -
Details
Newly hatched muskellunge begin feeding on zooplankton soon after the yolk
sac is absorbed and fry swim up.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1132 Pred/Prey Characteristic 1122 798
Details
After reaching a length of ~40 mm, muskellunge switch to a piscivorous
diet. This switch may occur at ~30 mm in some individuals. In a hatchery,
catostomid fry were consumed by muskellunge 30 mm long.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1158 Oxygen Requirement 809 798
Details
High DO levels are critical for developing embryos and larvae.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1166 Movement Characteristic 1132 798
Details
Upon hatching, larval muskellunge remain quiescent for the first few days
of life while the yolk sac is absorbed. The same limitations on embryo
survival also apply to larvae for ~714 days (depending on water
temperatures).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1167 Hydrogen Limit 0.0040.006 ppm 799 798
Sulfide
Details
Exposure to concentrations as low as 0.0040.006 ppm H2S decreases
survival and growth of sac-fry northern pike.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1168 Pred/Prey Lethal 812 798
350
Details
Newly hatched muskellunge are eaten by predacious diving beetles, giant
water bugs, and other predacious insect larvae.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1169 Depth Characteristic 798 -
Pred/Prey Limit -
Details
Young muskellunge lie just under the water surface waiting for forage to
pass. At this stage, they are subject to predation by fish and birds.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1204 Temperature Limit 36.1°C 820 798
Details
Larval muskellunge have an upper lethal temperature of 36.1°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1209 Depth Characteristic <1 m 798 -
Water Level Lethal
Details
Because muskellunge generally spawn in water <1 m deep, declining water
levels can affect embryos, larvae, and, possibly, fingerlings and adults may
be stranded. Embryos and newly hatched larvae are immobile until the
yolk sac is absorbed and are the most vulnerable to a decline in water
level. As muskellunge larvae grow, they are more likely able to avoid
receding water levels.
Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)
(Non-spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
366 Wisconsin Temperature Example 20°C 322 109
Details
Greatest growth occurs in June and September when available forage is at
a maximum and water temperatures are more favorable (~20°C).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
375 Pred/Prey Characteristic 109 -
Details
Adults eat mostly fish.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
376 Wisconsin Pred/Prey Example 209 109
288
Details
Introduction of muskellunge into two Wisconsin lakes eliminated most of the
yellow perch and largemouth bass >100 mm long. Enough muskellunge
remained, apparently in secure habitats, to reproduce successfully each
year. Smallmouth bass were relatively secure from muskellunge
predation and increased in abundance as largemouth bass decreased.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
523 Pred/Prey Example 209 110
Details
- Introduction of muskellunge into a lake eliminated most young bass survival.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
770 Pred/Prey Example 63 -
112
Details
Almost all warm- to cold-water predatory fish will eat perch, including
basses (Morone spp. and Micropterus spp.), sunfish, crappies, walleye,
sauger, pike, muskellunge, and lake trout.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1133 Pred/Prey Characteristic 804 798
Depth Characteristic 813
Details
Two studies found that muskellunge were not significantly selective about
prey selection (by species) and appeared to be midwater feeders.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1134 Pred/Prey Example 798 -
Details
Muskellunge consume catostomids, percids, coregonids, cyprinids,
centrarchids, clupeids, and ictalurids.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1135 Pred/Prey Example 821 798
Details
Gizzard shad is probably the best forage fish for esocids, but shad rarely
occur in the muskellunge's native range.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1147 Water Level Limit 808 798
Competitors Limit
Alkalinity Limit
Details
A study that examined a variety of information on watershed characteristics,
water chemistry, hydrology, fish communities, and cultural perturbations
found that nine variables (out of 94) accounted for 57% of the variability
in muskellunge reproduction. Conditions in identified lakes most strongly
promoting natural reproduction were limited northern pike abundance,
rising springtime water levels, high alkalinity, a high shoreline develop-
ment factor, and drainage lake systems that increase lake area and allow
rising spring water levels.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1148 Area of Water Characteristic 798 -
Phys. Assoc. Characteristic
Details
Muskellunge are found in a variety of river and lake types throughout
their native range. Muskellunge are often associated with aquatic
vegetation or submerged structures (rock reefs, fallen trees).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1149 Movement Characteristic 806 798
Details
Muskellunge in lacustrine and riverine habitats have defined home ranges
that vary from 300800 m in a stream to a lake with a 300-m diameter circle.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1150 Wisconsin Movement Characteristic 807 798
Details
Home range in lacustrine habitats varied from 0.227.7 ha in Black Lake
(52 ha) and Moose Lake (676 ha), Wisconsin. Home ranges of these
muskellunge were smaller during winter, intermediate during summer, and
larger in May, September, and October.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1151 Stony Lake, Movement Characteristic 827 798
Nogies Creek,
Ontario
Details
In Nogies Creek (35 ha) and Stony Lake (3,725 ha), muskellunge had home
ranges that varied from 1.17.2 ha. These fish established both winter
and summer home ranges, but the size of the home range correlates with
muskellunge size.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1152 West Okoboji Movement Characteristic 826 798
Lake, Iowa
Details
In West Okoboji Lake (1,540 ha), Iowa, muskellunge had home ranges that
averaged 146 ha (range 39443 ha). Eight muskellunge used the same home
range in consecutive summers. Muskellunge home ranges in West Okoboji
Lake were broadly overlapping, and, occasionally, two or more fish were
found in close proximity to each other. It was concluded that muskellunge
in West Okoboji Lake were not territorial.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1153 Leech Lake, Movement Example 834 798
Minnesota
Details
In Leech Lake (45,134 ha), Minnesota, home range size depended on the
basin of Leech Lake in which the muskellunge were located. During summer,
Leech Lake fish had large home ranges when compared to other studies
(ranging from 2003,390 ha). Winter home ranges (501,840 ha) were smaller
than summer home ranges. Muskellunge found in larger areas of the lake
had separate winter and summer home ranges. Muskellunge in a smaller
bay had winter home ranges that were contained in the summer home ranges.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1154 General 798 -
Details
Lake size, season, and size of the muskellunge all affect the location and
size of the home range selected by individual muskellunge.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1173 Temperature Optimum 25.6°C 63 798
Details
Optimum water temperature for muskellunge is 25.6°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1174 Phys. Assoc. Characteristic 826 798
834
Details
Adult muskellunge locations were correlated with physical structures
(weed beds, rock reefs, and changes in bottom contour) in Leech Lake,
Minnesota.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1175 West Okoboji Movement Characteristic 826 798
Lake, Iowa Phys. Assoc. Characteristic
Light Characteristic
Details
Muskellunge adjusted basic foraging patterns to maintain an optimal
feeding strategy in response to seasonally changing environmental factors.
After the spawning period and through midsummmer, fish behaved as
searching predators shown by relatively high levels of activity, extensive
movements, utilization of a variety of water depths and habitat types, and
pronounced crepuscular (twilight) activity. By late summer, the fish
exhibited behavioral characteristics of a sedentary ambush predator
(reduced activity, strong allegiance to activity centers associated with
vegetation, and little diel variation).
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1176 Kentucky Phys. Assoc. Characteristic 825 798
Area of Water Example 800
Details
In streams, muskellunge are associated with pools, sections of river with
low gradients, and fallen trees.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1178 Area of Water Limit - 803 798
Details
Stream impoundment eliminates riverine habitat.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1180 Phys. Assoc. Lethal 836 798
Details
Channelization eliminates habitat.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1182 Eutrophication Limit 809 798
Phys. Assoc. Limit
Details
Eutrophication (excessive weed growth and buildup of organic substrates)
affects muskellunge.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1183 - Eutrophication Limit 807 798
Oxygen Limit
Details
Eutrophication (low winter DO) affects muskellunge.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1185 Turbidity Limit 814 798
778
Details
Suspended solids level impairs sight feeding.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1186 Phys. Assoc. Limit 802 798
805
Details 836
Elimination of vegetation causes elimination of habitat.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1187 Kentucky Phys. Assoc. Limit 800 798
Details
Loss of woody cover affects muskellunge.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1188 Kentucky pH Limit 800 798
Details
Acid mine drainage affects muskellunge.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1189 Kentucky Salinity Limit 800 798
Details
Brine drainage from oil wells affects muskellunge.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1190 Kentucky Phys. Assoc. Limit 800 798
Details
Gravel dredging affects muskellunge.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1191 Kentucky Phys. Assoc. Limit 800 798
805
Details
Clearing trees in riparian zones for recreational use affects muskellunge.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1192 Lake Okoboji, Clarity Example 826 798
Iowa Movement Example
Details
Muskellunge activity is a positive association with water transparency. As
water transparency decreased, so did the percentage of active muskellunge,
but this relationship was confounded with other factors, such as water
temperature.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1193 Wisconsin Turbidity Example 819 798
Clarity Example
Details
The density of legalsized muskellunge in Wisconsin was positively
correlated with turbidity and negatively correlated with Secchi depth.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1194 Phys. Assoc. Characteristic 322 798
Pred/Prey Prefer
Details
Good populations of muskellunge are most often associated with excellent
populations of suckers, whitefish, and ciscoes. Softfinned forage fishes
are preferred by muskellunge. They appear to prosper where wellbalanced
populations of these species are abundant.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1197 Pred/Prey Prefer 830 798
Details
Muskellunge size and preferred prey size are related by the following
equation (r2 = 0.5214). Muskellunge length (in.) = 1.1513 (prey length
(in.)) + 26.4173.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1199 Oxygen Limit 3 mg/l 798 -
Details
Muskellunge overwinter with no adverse effects in lakes that maintain at
least 3.0 mg/l DO during icecovered periods.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1200 Temperature Optimum 24°C 215 798
832
Details
The optimum overall temperature for muskellunge is ~24°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1201 Temperature Optimum 23°C 1133 798
Details
The optimum temperature for growth is 23°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1202 Temperature Limit 25.6°C 63 798
Details
The upper limit of the preferendum is 25.6°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1203 Temperature Tolerate 32.2°C 798 -
Details
Temperatures will be in the optimum range during the warming and cooling
phases of a body of water if the maximum water temperature is slightly
higher than the optimal temperature. Muskellunge can withstand water
temperature as high as 32.2°C, but this is at the upper end of their
tolerance, so waters that warm more than this are less suitable.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1205 Temperature Characteristic 798 -
Details
Adults are the most sensitive life stage to water temperature.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1206 Depth Example <2 m 807 798
Temperature Example 24°27°C
Details
During the summer months, adult muskellunge were found in water <2 m
deep at temperatures of 24°27°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1207 Phys. Assoc. Optimum 798 -
Details
Optimal habitat has extensive submerged or emergent aquatic vegetation
interspersed with open water.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1210 Competitors Limit 810 798
823
Details
The invasion of native muskellunge lakes by northern pike is often
followed by the establishment of pike and subsequent decline of muskellunge.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1211 Competitors Limit 1132 798
Details
Increased angling pressure may work in favor of northern pike and be
detrimental to muskellunge.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1212 Competitors Limit 823 798
Pred/Prey Lethal
Details
Earlier spring spawning, shorter generation time, a more-aggressive nature,
and greater food-conversion efficiency have been suggested as possible
advantages for northern pike. Predation by YOY northern pike on YOY
muskellunge is the most viable hypothesis. In lakes with viable populations
of both species, there must be sufficient spawning habitat to permit spatial
separation of the species.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1213 Competitors Limit 798 823
Details
Cultural development may be responsible for northern pike outcompeting
muskellunge. Northern pike may be favored by cooler temperatures and a
morelentic habitat. Cultural development often results in the conversion
of lotic habitat to lentic habitat. Since the muskellunge is more adapted
to life in flowing waters, this phenomenon favors the morelentic northern
pike.
Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)
Lake St. Clair (Spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1141 Phys. Assoc. Example 817 798
Depth Example >9 m
Details
Muskellunge in Lake St. Clair, Michigan, also spawned in deep, open
water (>9 m) with little or no vegetation.
Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)
(Spawning Adult)
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
367 Wisconsin Temperature Optimum 13°C 322 109
Details
Spawning may occur at 9.5°15.5°C; 13°C is optimum.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
368 Wisconsin Area of Water Characteristic 322 109
Depth Characteristic
Details
Eggs are deposited indiscriminately over several hundred yards of
shoreline in water 150-760 mm deep.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
369 Wisconsin Movement Characteristic 322 109
Details
Adult spawners return to the same spawning ground in consecutive years.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1136 Temperature Optimum 12.8°C 63 798
Details
Muskellunge spawn in spring when water temperature is 9.4°15.0°C.
Optimum spawning water temperature is 12.8°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1137 Movement Characteristic 807 798
Temperature Requirement
Details
Muskellunge moved to spawning grounds when water temperature reached
8°10°C. They remained for 510 days until water temperature reached ~14°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1138 Nogies Creek, Movement Characteristic 827 798
Ontario Temperature Requirement
Details
In Nogies Creek, Ontario, muskellunge moved to spawning grounds when
water temperature was 8.0°10.5°C. Spawning occurred in temperatures of
10.5°15.5°C. Males abandoned the spawning grounds when water
temperature reached 16°C.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1139 Leech Lake, Movement Example 834 798
Minnesota Temperature Requirement 11.6°14.0°C
Details
Muskellunge in Leech Lake, Minnesota, moved to spawning grounds shortly
after iceout, when water temperature was 8.3°11.6°C. Movement to
spawning grounds (up to 21 km) was direct and often included crossing large
expanses of open water. Males were the first fish on the spawning
grounds and remained there longer than females. Spawning occurred
1535 days after iceout at water temperatures of 11.6°14.0°C. Both
sexes (especially females) were sensitive to drops in water temperature.
Females moved into deeper waters when water temperature cooled.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1140 Leech Lake, Phys. Assoc. Example 834 798
Minnesota Depth Example 1-2 m
Oxygen Example
Details
In Leech Lake, spawning areas chosen were in openwater areas with depths
of 12 m, over a soft calcareous substrate, with Chara spp. as the dominant
vegetation. There was no microstratification of DO at the substratewater
interface during the time of egg incubation. Temperature was uniform
throughout the water column.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1142 Area of Water Example 811 798
Details
Muskellunge also spawn in tributary streams and shallow lake channels.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1143 Wisconsin Depth Characteristic <1 m 807 798
Phys. Assoc. Characteristic
Area of Water Example
Details
Radiotagged muskellunge in Wisconsin spawned in water <1 m, on a
substrate of muck or muck and sand covered with debris or dead
vegetation. Three of four spawning areas identified were in bays with
influent streams.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1144 Nogies Creek, Phys. Assoc. Characteristic 827 798
Ontario Depth Characteristic <1 m
Details
Spawning substrate consists of matted vegetation and tree leaves that
fell the previous fall. Substrate area was <1 m deep (mean depth = 0.65 m)
upstream of Nogies Creek, Ontario.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1145 Michigan Area of Water Characteristic 831 798
Phys. Assoc. Characteristic
Details
One muskellunge strain spawned at the edge of channels over detritus.
Another muskellunge strain spawned in shallow bays in Michigan.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1146 Area of Water Characteristic 803 798
Water Motion Characteristic
Details
Spawning habitat in rivers is usually associated with lowgradient pools.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1147 - Water Level Limit 808 798
Competitors Limit
Alkalinity Limit
Details
A study that examined a variety of information on watershed characteristics,
water chemistry, hydrology, fish communities, and cultural perturbations
found that nine variables (out of 94) accounted for 57% of the variability
in muskellunge reproduction. Conditions in identified lakes most strongly
promoting natural reproduction were limited northern pike abundance,
rising springtime water levels, high alkalinity, a high shoreline develop-
ment factor, and drainage lake systems that increase lake area and allow
rising spring water levels.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1155 Phys. Assoc. Example 63 798
Depth Example - 827
807
Details 809
Some strains of muskellunge will spawn in <1 m of water on flooded
vegetation, detritus, and woody debris.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1156 Depth Example 817 798
Phys. Assoc. Example 834
Details
Muskellunge will spawn in deeper water (>1.5 m) on beds of Chara spp. or
areas of little vegetation.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1157 Phys. Assoc. Characteristic 798 -
Depth Characteristic
Details
No type of vegetation, depth, or substrate is critical to reproduction,
but muskellunge spawning habitat varies.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1163 Water Level Limit 1131 798
Details
Low water levels during spawning will negatively impact muskellunge and
produce poor year-classes.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1164 Water Level Optimum 808 798
Details
- Rising spring water levels have been positively correlated with
muskellunge reproductive success.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1177 Phys. Assoc. Limit - 836 798
800
Details
Stream impoundment blocks spawning migration.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1179 Phys. Assoc. Lethal 801 798
836
Details
Draining wetlands and filling marshes eliminate spawning areas.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1181 Water Level Lethal 63 798
Details
Decreasing springtime water level strands spawners and young and
exposes eggs.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1184 Siltation Lethal 778 798
800
Details
Sediments cause loss of spawning habitat.
Ref. No. Locality (Stock) Factor(s) Influence(s) Data Primary Ref. No. Review No.
1209 Depth Characteristic <1 m 798 -
Water Level Lethal
Details
Because muskellunge generally spawn in water <1 m deep, declining water
levels can affect embryos, larvae, and, possibly, fingerlings and adults
may be stranded. Embryos and newly hatched larvae are immobile until
the yolk sac is absorbed and are the most vulnerable to a decline in
water level. As muskellunge larvae grow, they are more able to avoid
receding water levels.