What is a trophy musky and how do you improve the odds? There are a lot of people wanting this answer. First, the area you live in will have different standards for trophy-class fish. A lot of people seek a 50-inch fish. Some regions do not produce the fifty-inch fish. In these areas, a fish 45 inches is likely a great catch.
As a Pennsylvania angler, chances for a fifty-inch fish are extremely rare. There are only a few waters with the potential for 50-inch fish. In the state, we have to set a lower standard of 46-48 inches for a trophy-class fish. This is an achievable size in the state for people hunting a big musky. The fifty-inch class fish tend to be in the upper midwest and Canada.
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The time of year has an impact on the size also. The majority of big fish tend to be caught in the spring and fall seasons. The fish move around in the fall to find more food. They do this in preparation for winter. Although, opinions do vary on this topic. Since a musky does feed in the winter. As large predators, they need to feed regularly.
The waterway is another key element in musky size. Improving your odds for a trophy musky takes the right lake or river. Finding a bigger fish takes big water. Small lakes and rivers do not have the conditions for trophy-size fish. The larger waters have ample structure, cover, and food sources. Plus a larger waterway can support a larger population of fish.
The group Muskies inc is a good source for musky fishermen. The members share tips, tactics, and where to fish.
What Region Is Best
Where you live does impact the size of the fish. Areas with a lot of larger lakes provide more opportunities for the big fish. If you look online in forums or social media groups. The bigger fish do come from the upper midwest. This region is loaded with lakes. Plus, the state of Wisconsin and Minnesota have a focused program for musky fishing.
In other states, a few have good programs for musky. The difference lies in the lack of quality waterways for improving your odds for a trophy musky. You will need to research the best waters in your region. In some instances, a trip to somewhere else is going to be needed to improve the odds.
Trophy Muskies, Improve the Odds by Season
The answer to when to target a trophy is different depending on who you ask. There are other factors to consider affecting the time of year. In the southern part of the muskies range, all year is good. The winters are milder allowing the fish to remain active and feed more often. Fish grow when they feed.
In the northern part of the range. Muskies will slow down in late fall through early spring. The fish will eat less. In spring the fish start to feed and gain weight plus grow in length. The big fish will be caught in mid-summer into early fall.
In the mid-range for muskies, spring and fall have better odds of big fish. In spring the females are full of eggs making them heavier. In the fall, the fish have fed all summer adding size.
What do all the scenarios have in common? The water temperature tends to be ideal for muskies to feed and be caught. In the preferred water temperature, fish will be at the highest activity levels. An active fish is easier to catch. This improves the odds more than any other factor.
Other Environmental Factors
One item serious muskie anglers focus on for success is the moon phase. The fish are influenced by the moon in some manner. When the sunrise or sunset aligns with the moon above or below bigger fish are caught. Plus the full or new moon has an effect. The influence starts a few days prior and lasts a few days after the full or new moon. A lot of people believe the moon can improve the odds.
Why the moon affects the fish is complex and not completely understood. Some believe the full moon helps by providing more light. On the flip side, the new moon is void of light making it the complete opposite. The only thing for certain is that the moon does have an effect. Look at the major and minor for the moon.
Trophy Muskies, Improve the Odds by Waterways
As the saying goes ” big water makes big fish”. This is true with muskies. Each musky needs several acres to thrive. In small bodies of water, there is not enough area. The waterway needs to have a good habitat also. The smaller lakes and rivers have less quality habitat.
All fish need the proper habitat to thrive. The habitat needs to have a very good food source. Lakes and rivers with larger baitfish will provide a musky with the needed food source. Musky prefer soft body prey including suckers, large dace, alewife, and other species. The baitfish vary by region. Look for the food musky prefers for success.
Do not overlook fishing pressure. Some lakes see excessive pressure. This will affect your chances. The larger lakes have more areas reducing the pressure. Look at lakes with several thousand acres. Smaller lakes may hold big fish but have more pressure on them and a smaller fish population.
In rivers, you need to get away from places with high populations towns, and cities. These areas have more pressure from fishing and pleasure boats. This applies to lakes also. Look for the harder-to-fish places on a river. An example is the middle Allegheny River. You need a jet boat, canoe, or kayak. Props will get busted up.
Lures and Techniques
If you ask twenty musky fishermen what lure to use. You will get 20 different answers. The simple truth is the big fish go after lures presented as an easy meal. A lure has to be suited to the conditions. In colder water, slower baits work better. In warmer waters, speed is less of a factor unless you run it too fast.
The depth is important. You must find the depth a musky is located and choose a lure for the depth. The big fish want the bait close. They tend to avoid long chases the smaller fish make. Then size is another element. Some believe the bigger lure is better.
A hungry musky does not care if a lure is 4-5 or 12 inches. I have caught big fish on 4-inch lures and 12-inch baits. The presentation is the key. The lure needs to be worked to entice and musky. How often have you heard of a bass or walleye angler catching a big musky? These people use smaller lures and have success.
Since presentation is the key element. Trolling or casting means working the points, drop-offs, and other structures with good cover. A musky is the apex predator and takes the best spots. On lakes, the edges and pockets in the weeds offer the best chances. River fishing look at the mouth of tributaries and large rocky outcrops.
Conclusions
A trophy musky is possible. You will have to research the waterways. Use good techniques and spend time on the water. There is no guarantee of a 50-inch fish but you will catch a few in the 40-inch class size. It takes time and effort to catch any musky.