River Environments

Rivers are almost completely overlooked by most anglers looking for a trophy muskie. This is partly because there are few rivers with the features necessary to produce numbers of big muskies. "Big waters produce big fish" is a very true statement specially where muskies are concerned.

When choosing a river to fish muskie, look for a large river with lots of forage and numerous current breaks. Current breaks are any kind of structure that creates a slack water area where the fish don't have to fight the current. You seldom find muskies in swift-flowing, young headwater rivers and streams.

At one time the St. Lawrence River vas the greatest muskie water of all time. Dotted with countless islands and massive weedbeds, the St. Lawrence had it all. Its great size and plentiful forage allowed it to sustain an incredible number of big fish. A look at the records shows that of the verified 60 pounders, 12 of these came from the St. Lawrence, including the current world record of 69 pounds 15 ounces. But fishing pressure and environmental changes have reduced this great fishery to a shadow of its former self. Perhaps wise management and an educated angling public will help restore it to its former potential.

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