Fisheries/Research

We will post here and on our Facebook Page any volunteering efforts that are needed throughout the year

Over the years the BLC has spent $1000's of dollars in assisting with Fisheries and Research. Outside of funding we have spent 100's of hours volunteering labor with certain projects as well

- PIT Tag and scale sampling
- Hatchery and rearing pond equipment
- Funding for stocking
- Produced Managing MN Muskies DVD for public education
- Spring trap netting and electroshocking area lakes
- Population studies
- Assisted financially in land purchasing to protect spawning/habitat areas
- Cleaning accesses and shorelines

Muskellunge

The muskie, a member of the pike family (Esocidae), is a top predator in freshwaters of the Great Lakes region. The natural range of the muskie spans from north to south from Tennessee to mid-Ontario, and from east to west from New York to Minnesota. Muskie can reach lengths greater than 50 inches and weights of over 50 pounds. Their appearance is streamlined, with their dorsal fin located directly above the anal fin. Muskie generally fall into one of, or a combination of, three distinct color phases: spotted, barred, or clear (no markings).

Tiger muskellunge

The tiger muskie, a sterile hybrid of the northern pike and the muskie, is stocked in several heavily fish lakes in the Twin Cities. Like muskie, this fish has dark markings on a light background but has rounded tail fins.

The BLC financially supported the purchase of these feeders. Feeders are vital to the successful raising of muskies for stocking. The annual net surveys around the State verify the success of stocking.

PIT tag and scale sampling is vital research for collecting data for a fishery. The BLC receives requests for financial support for this research often. We have helped with purchasing of PIT Tags and volunteered our labor in collecting scales. We budget around $1000 each year for these research projects and will continue to do so.

Every 2-3 years one of our muskie lakes is scheduled for trap netting to gain population and growth estimates. This is a great time to get on the water with the DNR not only to assist with the process but to gain more knowledge of what the lake is made up of.

There usually is a very short window to volunteer time as netting is scheduled around ice out and water conditions. We will keep you posted.

Fisheries and Research Articles, Studies and Reports

An examination of Minnesota’s Musellunge waters
Statewide evaluation of length-based fishing regulations introduction and summary of results
Assessing sustainability of trophy Muskellunge fisheries
Minnesota DNR Fisheries Field Offices (MAP)
Distribution and management of Muskellunge in North America: an overview
Fish Community Responses to the Introduction of Muskellunge in Minnesota Lakes
Evaluation of the physiology, behaviour, and survival of adult muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) captured and released by specialized anglers
Effects of angling with a single-hook and live bait on Muskellunge survival
Estimate of annual expenditures by resident Muskie anglers in Minnesota
Managing Muskie in Minnesota
2016 Muskie Symposium

Local Muskie Fisheries

Alexander
Lake Survey

Cedar
Lake Survey

Mille Lacs
Lake Survey

Shamineau
Lake Survey

Gull
Lake Survey

Leech
Lake Survey

Wabedo
Lake Survey

Little Boy
Lake Survey

Baby
Lake Survey

Inguadona
Lake Survey

Roosevelt
Lake Survey