Every day, many people flock to Lake Superiorto enjoy its beauty and peacefulness.But while it’s a popular spot for adventurers and paddlers, many may not realize – Lake Superior also has a dangerous side. The most dangerous creature that lurks in the depths is the Muskellunge, commonly referred to as the “Musky”.
The Musky is one of the largest and fiercest freshwater game fish in North America. They feed mainly on fish, and can grow to lengths of up to 30 inches and a maximum weight of more than 40 pounds. Musky are native to Lake Superior, where they inhabit deep, clear water with rocky or weed-covered points and humps, and in the shallow weedy bays along Lake Superior’s south shores.
The muskellunge is widely regarded as one of the most difficult, yet rewarding, freshwater games. This elusive fish is known to be one of the few with teeth, making them particularly hazardous to tackle. You won’t know the power and tenacity of a musky until you have faced one – they possess incredible strength, with a relentless bite and fight that will leave adrenaline-seekers absolutely exhausted.
Because of the powerful jaw and long fang-like teeth, Musky are capable of inflicting serious injury. Anglers who pursue Musky must take extreme caution as the teeth on this fish can easily cause serious wounds. In addition, anglers may encounter secondary hazards like a rocky, uneven lake bottom, inclement weather and sharp rocks.
However, keen anglers regard the risk as worth taking, with many fishing experts claiming that if you’re not going after musky, you may be missing out on the most intense and exciting fishing experience that can be had in Lake Superior.
If you’re up for the challenge, Musky are most active during the summer season in Lake Superior when water temperatures exceed 70 degrees and these powerful fish become more active, consequently targeting lures and actively feeding. Fishing for them can be especially rewarding as their choice of hiding spots is relatively limited. Once these apex predators are located, a skilled angler can hone in and use the right lures to attract these fascinating fishes.
Overall, the Musky may be the most dangerous fish in Lake Superior, but it doesn’t mean it is an adversary not to be taken lightly. Anglers who take the time to respectfully pursue, understand and observe this powerful fish can truly experience the most thrilling freshwater battle, and have a chance to personally observe the beauty and power of the Musky.
Live Bait For Catching Musky
Live bait is the most effective method for catching Musky in Lake Superior. This type of bait usually consists of smaller fish like shiners, chubs and suckers. These baits are treated with special attractants designed to draw in even the most wary Muskies, as they seem to be attracted to the scent and visual presentation of a live bait rather than just lures. It is recommended to use a heavier tackle and baitcasting reel when using live bait, which can help you cast the bait further out into the lake.
When it comes to live bait fishing for Musky it is important to remember that this is a very active and aggressive fish. Musky are incredibly skittish, so it is important to use a slow and steady motion when using live bait. Also, it is important to set the hook quickly and keep the rod tip firmly in contact with the fish. If the fight goes a little too long, you may risk losing your equilibrium when landing the fish.Make sure to inspect the hooks on the live bait prior to fishing, as they need to be in good working condition.
Techniques For Tackling Musky
Muskie fishing can be an exciting and rewarding experience, however there are several techniques that need to be applied to make sure you have success when targeting these apex predators. Casting large plugs with a rod and reel is one of the most common fishing techniques used when targeting Musky in Lake Superior. This method allows anglers to cover a lot of water quickly, while still providing the chance to locate active Muskies.
Another technique that many anglers use when targeting Musky is trolling. This involves using two inline lures, one on each end of the line, and slowly trolling across the surface of the water. This technique is good for covering a lot of water in a short amount of time. It also allows for the lures to be presented in different depths of the water, which increases the chances of catching a Musky.
In addition to these traditional methods, some anglers also opt to use a jigging technique. Jigging is when you use a jigging rod with a jigging reel to cast a jig in the water and use a jerking motion to attract the attention of a Musky. This method is often successful when targeting the deeper depths of the lake.
Types Of Lures For Catching Musky
When targeting Musky in Lake Superior, anglers need to use the right type of lure in order to attract these powerful fish. Some common types of lures used when targeting Musky include crankbaits, jerks baits, spoons, and bucktails. Crankbaits are great for providing the Musky with a lot of noise and flash, which will draw them in and make them more likely to strike. Jerkbaits are another effective lure, as they can be jerked along the water to mimic a fleeing baitfish. Spoons and bucktails are also popular lures, as they provide a lot of flash and movement that attract Musky from far away.
It is important to note that Musky are incredibly picky, and anglers need to be sure that they use the right combination of lures in order to attract the attention of these fish. It is recommended to use a variety of lures to allow for the greatest chance of success. Also, be sure to use the correct size lure when targeting Musky, as they can be easily spooked by larger lures.
Weather Conditions & Locations For Musky Fishing
When it comes to Musky fishing in Lake Superior the most important factors to consider are the weather conditions and the location. Musky are most active during the summer months when the water temperatures exceed 70 degrees, which means the most ideal times for Musky fishing is usually late June to mid-September.
In terms of locations, Musky are most likely to be found near deeper water sources that have rocky or weed-covered points and humps. They can also commonly be found in shallow weedy bays along the south shores of the lake. It is recommended to do research prior to arrival to get a better understanding of the local underwater topography and possible productive spots.
Safety When Fishing For Musky
When fishing for Musky in Lake Superior, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable fishing experience. Musky are very strong and powerful creatures, so anglers must remain alert and stay in control of their reel at all times. It is also important to be prepared with life vests and a first aid kit, as the Muskies’ teeth can easily cause deep lacerations on unprotected skin.
It is not advisable to use musky nets, as these large fish can easily knock them over and cause unnecessary harm. If you do manage to catch a Musky, it is best to release it back into the lake as quickly as possible in order to keep the population healthy and robust.
