Northern pike spawn earlier than muskellunge and in similar locations. Pike may compete directly with muskellunge for food, space and spawning habitat. Northern pike appear to be more tolerant of cold water temperatures and seem to prefer lakes. Muskellunge are more successful in river environments. Muskellunge may be mistakenly identified as northern pike.
Northern pike have dark colored bodies with light markings.
Culture of Muskellunge Muskellunge broodstock can be caught in spawning areas with trap nets, pound nets, or preferably by electrofishing. Egg damage can be reduced when broodstock are obtained by electrofishing. Sex is determined by examining the vent region. Spawning can be induced by hormone injection. Prior to egg removal, females are anesthetized and placed on an inclined fish holding rack.