Females may weigh up to 70 lbs and live for approximately 20 years. Muskellunge are ambush predators which dart out of cover to capture their prey. Northern pike, perch, black bass, rock bass and sunfish will prey upon young muskellunge. 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.