THE FISH

Shape, Size, and Color

Muskie color may vary greatly from lake to lake and sometimes muskies using different structural elements within the same lake may appear significantly different. For example, a fish that spends its entire life relating to weeds may have more pronounced markings than a fish that suspends or relates to rock shoals. Color is a camouflage to help make foraging muskies more effective.

There are, however, some fairly consistent guidelines we can use to help in identification. Most fish will have a dark brown or black back. The sides are usually an iridescent green gold or light brown fading to a cream, almost white, belly. The sides may also have dark brown or black vertical bars or in some areas spots. In some larger fish these bars or spots are quite faded and noticeable only near the tail. Another fairly common color is the fish with a black back and very silvery sides. Usually the side bars or spots are quite distinct on fish this color.

While the fish may exceed five feet in length and reach weights in excess of 60 pounds, they usually average less than three feet and ten to 15 pounds.

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