People wonder or have misconceptions about what muskies eat. They are apex predators and can eat up to one-third of their body size. That said, a muskie has preferences in food choices.
Some fish are elusive while others have sharp spines. A musky tends to prefer fish that are easier to catch and without spines.
Contrary to many walleye and bass anglers, musky seldom eats these fish. They are fast and harder to catch unless injured or sick. They remove the unhealthy fish. In many waterways, muskies provide a balance helping other species to thrive.
The Prey the Muskies Eat
What does a muskie eat when young, they eat minnows, crayfish, and aquatic insects. They are the same size as the other fish-eating this prey. Muskies will grow fast in the first few years. In about 3 years the diet changes to larger prey.
The prey for larger musky varies between waterways. They will find the schools of prey in the 6-inch and larger sizes. Small fish such as shad, ciscoes, alewife, suckers, and similar fish are usually the fish muskie target.
What Muskies Eat
- Suckers
- Shad
- Ciscoes
- Alewife
- Creek chubs
- Panfish
- Other small fish 6-12 inches in length
In studies, it has been shown muskie eat suckers and perch if possible. These species are found in many waterways. The sucker is the common bait in regions where people fish for muskies. If using live bait these are the best option. A musky will eat panfish also. In many areas, panfish are plentiful and suckers or other preferred prey are not in large numbers.
If a muskie survives to adulthood in about 4-5 years. They feed on other prey also. What muskies eat in the 30 inches or larger range will consume ducks, muskrats, and other animals swimming on the surface. The bigger musky will eat large pike and other fish. Remember a musky can eat up to 1/3 of its body size. A musky can eat prey larger than 1/3 their size, it is rare and the larger fish. This is why some people throw big lures up to 18 inches or more.
- Ducklings
- Muskrats
- Small animals
- larger fish up to 1/3 their size
Muskies and pike over 40 inches have no issues eating a fish 15-18 inches in length. The biggest musky will take the best spots to feed. This allows them to be picky about prey. But do not assume they only eat big prey. A lot of muskies are caught on lures 4-7 inches used for bass and walleyes.
Conclusion to What Muskie Eat
A musky is the apex predator and will eat what is easy to catch. A small musky eats small prey. But when larger they eat whatever they want.
Size is a factor in some situations but often availability is the key. A school of 6-8 inch fish is an all-you-can-eat buffet for these fish. If a musky is hungry, an opportunity is the main factor.