The ODNR Division of Wildlife's muskellunge program is designed to maintain high-quality muskellunge fisheries at a limited number of lakes throughout Ohio. In selecting lakes for stocking, emphasis is placed upon keeping a relatively even distribution of lakes throughout the state so that all Ohioans can enjoy these fisheries. Water quality, habitat, forage base, and angler access are also important considerations. The muskellunge has large teeth and a soft dorsal fin situated far back near the forked tail. The belly is white or yellowish.
Female muskellunge grow faster and live longer than males.
Males become sexually mature at three years of age, females at four. Spawning occurs in April and May when water temperatures reach the low 50s. The eggs are small, about 45,000 to 50,000 per quart. A single female may produce as many as 200,000. The eggs are dropped on soft shallow bottoms, where they adhere to vegetation and other debris.