They move very little during the winter when water temperatures are near freezing, but their range increases a great deal in spring when they move to spawning areas. During the summer their movements are intermediate, usually covering an area less than 20 acres, but if water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, their movement declines. Changes in food and cover, as well as temperature, affect movement patterns. Preferred summer temperatures are in the 70's degrees Fahrenheit. Muskellunge are opportunistic predators, feeding on whatever is generally available.
Adults eat fish primarily, but occasionally consume small muskrats, ducks and other live food.
Certain soft-finned prey fishes such as suckers or cisco may be preferred. Young muskellunge begin feeding on live zooplankton a few days after they hatch. After four or five days of feeding, they switch to live fish, if available, but can continue eating zooplankton for about a month. Reproduction Sexual maturity depends upon size and age. Stunted fish tend to mature when they are younger and smaller.