UTERMuskellunge fishing in Minnesota freshwater
In Minnesota freshwater, muskellunge peak May–July and September–November and are around May–November, spawning in May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Opener in June: Mille Lacs, Vermilion, Leech, Cass.
Mille Lacs fall giants on the rock reefs.
Muskellunge in Minnesota freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MaySpawning
- JunePeakOpener in June: Mille Lacs, Vermilion, Leech, Cass.
- JulyPeak
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeakMille Lacs fall giants on the rock reefs.
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish muskellunge near Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech Lake
The land of lakes: walleye, pike, muskie, perch and crappie on ten thousand lakes, half the year through the ice — Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech, Red — plus the Rainy River's walleye and sturgeon.
What to use for muskellunge
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 38–82°F water, best at 55–75°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch muskellunge in Minnesota freshwater?
Peak season is May–July and September–November, with fish spawning in May (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Muskellunge are in Minnesota freshwater May–November. June: Opener in June: Mille Lacs, Vermilion, Leech, Cass.
Where do muskellunge hold in Minnesota freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river — around Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech Lake, Upper Red Lake, Lake Vermilion, Rainy River.
What is the best bait for muskellunge in Minnesota freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for muskellunge in Minnesota freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/index.html before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/fishing/index.html.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores muskellunge for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about muskellunge · Minnesota fresh water, the whole year