Typical muskellunge lakes in the native range usually have thriving beds of submersed aquatic vegetation. Large lakes which have both extensive deep and shallow basins and tributary streams are preferred waters and are well suited to meet muskellunge food and cover requirements. Muskellunge are lone, sedentary fish that usually lurk concealed among vegetation near channels, bars or rocky ledges and shoals. Muskellunge in some waters, however, will move offshore and remain suspended over deep water. Such behavior is usually associated with prey populations such as cisco.
Individual muskellunge have home ranges that overlap with each other.
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.