Characteristics of Trophy-Sized Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) Angled from Ontario Waters,

Transcription

1 Characteristics of Trophy-Sized Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) Angled from Ontario Waters,

2 Characteristics of Trophy-Sized Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) Angled from Ontario Waters, November 2011 Steven J. Kerr and Alison Kirkpatrick Fisheries Policy Section Biodiversity Branch Tim J. Haxton Aquatic Science Unit Southern Region

3 This publication should be cited as follows: Kerr, S. J., A. Kirkpatrick, and T. J. Haxton Characteristics of Trophy-Sized Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) Angled from Ontario Waters, Fisheries Policy Section, Biodiversity Branch. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, Ontario. 7 p. + appendices. Queen s Printer for Ontario, 2012 Printed in Ontario, Canada (MNR 62742) (ISBN ) Copies of this document can be downloaded from the Ministry of Natural Resources public website : Front cover designed by Matt Garvin using photos provided by Ken Taggart and Dan Araquel (Muskies Canada Inc.), Pete Garnier, and Al Lamarche. Cette publication hautement spécialisée: Aquatic Research Series (ongoing series of reports) Characteristics of Trophy-Sized Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) Angled from Ontario Waters, n est disponible qu en Anglais envertu du Règlement 411/97 qui en exempte l application de la Loir sur les services en français. Pour obtenir de l aide en français, veuillez communiquer avec Twyla Douaire ( ) au ministère ressources naturelles.

4 Executive Summary An effort was made to compile a listing of trophy-sized muskellunge which have been angled from Ontario waters. A trophy-sized muskellunge in this study was defined as a fish exceeding 114 cm (45 inches) in length or 10.0 kg (22 pounds) in weight. Information was obtained for a total of 9,708 muskellunge which were angled in Ontario between 1917 and The majority of records originated from volunteer angler diaries maintained by members of Muskies Inc. and Muskies Canada Inc. Most trophy-sized muskellunge were angled early in the season and numbers decreased as the season progressed. The geographic distribution of trophy-sized muskellunge was spread well over their Ontario range. There was a significant positive trend in the maximum size of muskellunge reported annually. There was also a significant increase in the maximum size of muskellunge reported after the changes to minimum size limit regulations in An increase in the catch-and-release angling ethic in conjunction with the implementation of new minimum size limit regulations is believed to be responsible for the increased number of trophy-sized muskellunge being angled in Ontario. Based on the number of Ontario waters producing trophy-sized muskellunge and the increasing number of trophy-sized fish being reported annually, Ontario s muskellunge management strategy appears to be achieving the objective of providing a diversity of trophy angling opportunities. (i)

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6 Sommaire Des efforts ont été faits en vue de créer une liste des maskinongés-trophées pêchés à la ligne en eau ontarienne. Dans cette étude, pour être considéré comme un trophée, la longueur d un maskinongé doit dépasser 114 cm (45 pouces) et son poids dépasser les 10 kg (22 livres). Des renseignements ont été obtenus concernant maskinongés au total pêchés en eau ontarienne entre 1917 et La majorité des données provient des registres de pêcheurs bénévoles membres de Muskies Inc. et Muskies Canada Inc. La plupart des maskinongés-trophées ont été pêchés à la ligne tôt en saison et les nombres décroissaient progressivement pendant la saison. Les maskinongés-trophées se répartissent bien sur l aire géographique ontarienne occupée par l espèce. Les rapports annuels concernant la taille maximum des maskinongés révèlent une tendance positive marquée. Il y a aussi eu un accroissement substantiel de la taille maximum des maskinongés rapportée après les changements aux règlements de 2001 concernant les tailles limites. On croit que l accroissement du nombre de maskinongés-trophées pêchés à la ligne en eau ontarienne est attribuable à des facteurs conjugués, soit l augmentation de la popularité du principe éthique de remise des prises à l eau conjuguée et la mise en œuvre de nouveaux règlements concernant les limites de taille. En se basant sur le nombre de plans d eau ontariens produisant des maskinongés-trophées et le nombre croissant de maskinongés-trophées rapporté annuellement, la stratégie de gestion du maskinongé de l Ontario semble répondre à l objectif de procurer une gamme de possibilités de pêche à la ligne de poissons-trophées. (ii)

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8 Table of Contents Executive Summary...(i) Sommaire...(ii) Table of Contents... (iii) Introduction...1 Background...1 Size Criteria...2 Sources of Information...2 Statistical Analysis...3 Characteristics of Trophy-Sized Muskellunge...3 Number of Records...3 Geographic Distribution of Catch...4 Temporal Distribution of Catch...5 Trends in Size of Trophy Fish...5 Discussion...7 Acknowledgements...9 References...9 Appendix 1. Records of trophy-sized muskellunge angled from Ontario waters, Appendix 2. Ontario waters from which trophy-sized muskellunge were angled, (iii)

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10 Introduction Background For many anglers, muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) are a highly prized fish species because of their elusiveness, ferocious fighting habits when hooked, and their ability to achieve large sizes. In fact, next to lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), muskellunge are Canada s largest freshwater fish (Scott and Crossman 1973). There are at least 302 lakes and 105 rivers in Ontario which support muskellunge (Kerr 2011). These waters include a number of large rivers, portions of the Great Lakes, and numerous inland lakes. The distribution of muskellunge in Ontario is disjointed in that they occur in the southern/eastern and northwestern portions of the province. In Ontario, muskellunge are managed using seasons, quotas, and size limit regulations. By 1950, the first minimum size limit (MSL) of 76 cm (30 inches) had been established (Kerr 1998). In 1956, this MSL was lowered to 71 cm (28 inches). By 1965, the MSL had been returned to 76 cm (30 inches) in Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, and the Detroit River but remained at 71 cm elsewhere in Ontario. A third MSL of 91 cm (36 inches) was designated for the waters of eastern Lake Ontario, the Bay or Quinte, and the St. Lawrence River in The MSL of several northwestern Ontario waters was also increased to 91 cm in Minimum size limits were gradually increased between 1988 and 1998 when there were a total of nine different minimum size limit regulations in Ontario (Kerr 1998). Recognizing differential growth potential of muskellunge in various waters across the province, a set of MSL regulation benchmarks were developed in 1999 (OMNR et al. 1999) and implemented in Waters were designated as either high density populations (91 cm or 102 cm (36 or 40 inches) MSL), enhanced size fisheries (111 cm or 122 cm (44 or 48 inches) MSL), or record class fisheries having a 137 cm (54 inches) MSL. Unfortunately, there are few studies which have evaluated the effectiveness of size limit regulations for muskellunge. Where efforts have been made, the results have been inconsistent. MacLennan (1996) reported that the implementation of a 102 cm (40 inches) minimum size limit increased the abundance of muskellunge in Lake St. Clair. Similarly, on Bone Lake, Wisconsin, Cornelius and Margenau (1999) found that densities of adult muskellunge increased after higher minimum length limits were implemented. Conversely, in seven northern Wisconsin lakes, the designation of a higher (102 cm; 40 inches) minimum size limit did not increase adult muskellunge abundance or size structure compared to reference lakes (Margenau and AveLallemant 2000). This study was intended to review the status of trophy muskellunge fisheries in Ontario and evaluate the success of current muskellunge management strategies to provide trophy angling opportunities. More specifically, the objective of this study was to assess whether there has been a trend in the maximum size of angled muskellunge reported over time and whether the new minimum size regulations had an effect on the maximum size of muskellunge caught. 1.

11 Size Criteria Anglers often differ in what size of fish they consider to be a trophy and several researchers have attempted to develop quantitative criteria. Wingate (1986) believed that, to many anglers, a muskellunge was not considered to be a trophy until it reached 127 cm (50 inches) in length. In a Wisconsin survey, Margenau and Petchenik (2004) reported that muskellunge anglers considered a trophy muskellunge to be greater than 102 cm (40 inches) but preferred a fish greater than 127 cm (50 inches). In Virginia, many anglers defined a trophy muskellunge as a fish being cm (41-43 inches) in length (Brenden et al. 2007). In a review of Minnesota s muskellunge waters, Younk and Pereira (2003) utilized 102 cm (40 inches) to define a trophy muskellunge. Gabelhouse (1984) developed a length categorization system which was based on the percentage lengths of the world class record. He defined the terms preferred (44-55%), memorable (59-64%) and trophy (74-80%) For muskellunge this corresponded to fish measuring cm ( inches) as preferred ; cm ( inches) as memorable ; and cm ( inches) as a trophy. For the purpose of this exercise, a trophy-sized muskellunge was considered to be a fish which was at least 114 cm (45 inches) in total length or 10.0 kg (22 pounds) in round weight. Fish of this size are typically greater than 12 years of age (Devitt 1959, Johnson 1971, Casselman and Crossman 1986). Sources of Information A concerted effort was made to collect information on large-sized muskellunge from a variety of reliable sources. In total, information was obtained for 9,708 trophy-sized muskellunge (Table 1). Table 1. Sources of information for trophy-sized muskellunge angled in Ontario. Source of Information Number of Records Muskies Inc. Records 8,740 Muskies Canada Inc. Records 428 OFAH Big Fish Registry 174 Fishing Lodge Records 147 Books (Scott 1948, Ramsell 1997, Warye 2002) 88 Molson Big Fish Contest 72 FFHF, IGFA and WRGF Records 39 MNR Records 13 Misc. Big Fish Contests 7 Total 9,708 FWFHF Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame IGFA International Game Fish Association OFAH Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters WRGF World Record Game Fishes 2.

12 The greatest amount (94.4%) of information came from volunteer angler logs provided by members of Muskies Canada Inc. (MCI) and Muskies Inc. (MI). Ontario s record fish registry maintained by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters was also used. Data obtained from miscellaneous sources included several muskellunge publications, records from the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame (FFHF 2010) and International Game Fish Association (IGFA 2011), and information from assorted fishing contests and tourist lodges. Trophy records were reviewed carefully to ensure accuracy and authenticity. In some cases, the data was omitted where certain information could not be verified. Statistical Analysis Trends in the maximum size of muskellunge reported annually were assessed using a linear regression. Differences in the mean maximum size of muskellunge reported before and after recent MSL changes were assessed using a Student s t-test. Statistical analysis was conducted using SYSTAT v 11. Significance was determined at P = Characteristics of Angled Trophy-Sized Muskellunge Number of Records Although records of trophy-sized muskellunge dated back to 1917, the vast majority of records were post This may be attributed to the fact that most records were from Muskies Inc. and Muskies Canada Inc. volunteer angler diary programs which did not commence until 1970 and 1979, respectively. Over the past 40 years, the number of trophy-sized muskellunge reported annually in Ontario has increased steadily (Figure 1 and Appendix 1). A similar observation was noted by Casselman (2007) No. Trophy-Sized Muskellunge Figure 1. Trophy-sized muskellunge angled from Ontario waters, There are a number of factors which could account for the modest decline in trophysized fish since 2004 (including a marked reduction in 2009). Angling effort, particularly by American tourists, was probably reduced. There was a significant economic Year 3.

13 recession in the United States commencing in the fall of 2008 and lasting through This period was marked by high unemployment, rising food and gas prices, and an increase in foreclosures and personal bankrupcies. Another contributing factor could be viral hemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) - induced mortality of many trophy muskellunge in the Great Lakes basin. Large mortalities of muskellunge were documented in the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario, Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, and St. Lawrence River between 2005 and Casselman (2011) reported a catastrophic die-off in the St. Lawrence River in which he estimated that approximately half of the adult muskellunge population succumbed to the virus. Mortality was greatest in larger, older individuals. MCI angler diary records (Table 2) provide evidence of the impact of VHS on St. Lawrence River muskellunge. The number of trophy-size muskellunge reportedly angled and the trophy muskellunge catch rate declined significantly post-2005 and has yet to recover. Table 2. Records of trophy-sized muskellunge angled from the St. Lawrence River, Year Number of Muskellunge Caught Muskellunge CUE Catch-per-unit-of-effort expressed in terms of the number of fish caught/fishing effort in rod hours. Geographic Distribution of Catch Trophy-sized muskellunge were reported from a total of 117 Ontario waterbodies (Figure 2). Records of trophy-sized muskellunge were well represented in all portions of their Ontario range. No. of Waterbodies (41.9%) 10 (8.5%) Northwest Northeast Southern Great Lakes Regions 44 (37.6%) 14 (12.0%) Figure 2. Geographic distribution (number of waterbodies) of the catch of trophy-sized muskellunge from Ontario waters,

14 Some waters were especially noteworthy in producing significant numbers of trophy fish over the years. These waters included Lake of the Woods, Eagle Lake, Lake St. Clair, Lac Seul, the Ottawa River, Georgian Bay, and the St. Lawrence River. Temporal Distribution of Catch Many anglers believe that most trophy muskellunge are angled in the fall. Trophy-sized muskellunge are almost always female fish which, in the fall, are at or near their heaviest weight during the open season due to egg development. Our results indicate that numbers of trophy-sized muskellunge were highest early in the season and declined as the season progressed (Table 3). These trophy catches are probably related to the varying amount of angling activity which was exerted over the course of the fishing season. In terms of the mean size of trophy-sized fish, there was a trend to larger fish later in the season, however. Table 3. Temporal distribution in the catch of trophy-sized muskellunge in Ontario, Month Number of Trophy-Sized Fish Angled (% of Total) Mean Length (cm) June 1,519 (15.6%) July 2,887 (29.7%) August 2,151 (22.2%) September 1,362 (14.0%) October 1,274 (13.1%) November 261 (2.7%) December 3 (0.03%) Unknown 251 (2.6%) Total 9,708 (99.93%) In terms of weight, the muskellunge considered to be the Ontario record is a fish angled by Ken O Brien from Georgian Bay in October, That fish reportedly measured cm (58.0 inches) in length, had a girth of 77.5 cm (30.5 inches), and weighed 29.5 kg (65 pounds). The largest muskellunge in terms of length is believed to be a fish measuring cm (62.0 inches) which was reportedly angled from the Ottawa River by Bill Craig in July, 1997 (Nash 1998). Trends in Size of Trophy Fish The mean length of trophy-sized muskellunge that were reported for any given year varied from cm. There was no apparent trend in this size over the past 40 year period (Table 4). There was, however, a significant positive trend in the maximum size of muskellunge caught over the same period (regression d.f. = 1,39 F = P < 0.01; r 2 = 0.533; Figure 3). Mean size of the maximum trophy-sized muskellunge reported was significantly greater after the minimum size regulations were increased in 2001 (t-test; t = 4.135, d.f. = 39, P < 0.001; Figure 4) 5.

15 Table 4. Mean and maximum length (total length) of trophy-sized muskellunge angled from Ontario waters, Year No. Fish Reported Mean Length in cm (inches) Maximum Length in cm (inches) Waterbody(ies) (48.3) (51.8) Lake of the Woods (48.5) (52.0) Rainy Lake, Eagle Lake (48.0) (54.0) Winnipeg River (48.0) (52.0) Lake of the Woods (47.8) (53.0) Eagle Lake (48.1) (52.0) Lake of the Woods (48.3) (55.0) Georgian Bay (49.2) (55.0) French River (48.2) (54.3) Corner (Langton) Lake (49.8) (59.5) Eagle Lake (48.7) (54.8) Georgian Bay (48.5) (57.0) Lake of the Woods (48.0) (53.0) Lake of the Woods (48.5) (54.3) Moira Lake (48.1) (53.0) Lake of the Woods, Eagle Lake (48.0) (53.0) Lake of the Woods, Eagle Lake, French River (48.1) (54.5) Lake Manitou, Lake of the Woods (47.7) (54.0) St. Marys River (47.9) (58.0) Georgian Bay (47.3) (53.5) Georgian Bay (48.0) (56.5) St. Lawrence River (47.5) (55.5) Lake of the Woods (48.1) (57.0) Georgian Bay, Lac Seul (47.6) (55.5) French River (48.0) (56.0) Eagle Lake, Ottawa River (48.0) (55.0) Kakagi Lake, Ottawa River (48.0) (59.0) Lake of the Woods (48.0) (62.0) Ottawa River (48.0) (55.0) Georgian Bay (48.5) (56.0) Georgian Bay (48.2) (56.0) English River (47.8) (59.0) Kawartha lakes (47.8) (58.3) Lake of the Woods (47.9) (58.5) St. Lawrence River (48.1) (56.5) Georgian Bay (48.4) (57.0) Lac Seul (48.2) (58.0) Lake Nipissing, St. Lawrence River (48.7) (60.0) Lac Seul (48.3) (59.0) St. Lawrence River (51.6) (59.3) Lake St. Clair (47.7) (58.0) Lac Seul 6.

16 Total length (mm) Year Figure 3. Maximum size of muskellunge reported annually. Regression line represents trend over time (r 2 = 0.53) Total length (cm) pre-2001 post-2001 Figure 4. Mean size (with 95% confidence intervals) of maximum trophy-sized muskellunge reported before and after changes in minimum size limits provincially in Discussion The provision of trophy angling opportunities for muskellunge is a management goal of many agencies (Farrell et al. 2007, Kerr 2011) so attempts to measure the abundance and distribution of trophy-sized fish provides a means to evaluate how effective management activities have been. 7.

17 During this study, information from a total of 9,708 trophy-sized Ontario muskellunge has been assembled. The largest muskellunge, in terms of length, was a fish measuring cm (62 inches) angled from the Ottawa River. Muskellunge exceeding 127 cm (50 inches) were recorded from 79 different waters (Appendix 2). This represents almost 20% of all Ontario waters containing muskellunge. Many anglers believe that the next world record muskellunge will be angled from Ontario (Sandell 1996). A number of factors, including size, habitat availability, genetics, the length of growing season, and an abundance of suitable forage, determine the capability of a waterbody to produce a trophy-sized muskellunge. In Ontario, growth rates and ultimate length varies considerably among regions and different waterbodies. Based on an examination of muskellunge from 12 different Ontario sources, Casselman et al. (1999) identified three groupings of muskellunge (large ( cm) bodied fish, medium ( cm) bodied fish, and small ( cm) bodied fish) based on growth index and ultimate length. Ultimate lengths ranged from 81.4 to cm representing relatively old fish. It should be noted, however, that muskellunge greater than 30 years of age have not been documented in Ontario (John Casselman, Queen s University. Kingston, Ontario. personal communication). Harvest reduction and an increase in catch-and-release angling practices are believed to have contributed to the current status of Ontario s trophy muskellunge fisheries. Minimum size limit regulations have traditionally been used to reduce muskellunge mortality in Ontario. Over the past decade, minimum size limits for muskellunge were increased to 112 cm (44 inches) or 122 cm (48 inches) in waters which were deemed to have trophy potential and to 137 cm (54 inches) in selected waters which were believed to have world class potential. These regulation changes appear to have been effective in producing significantly larger maximum-sized muskellunge, at least those reported. This, combined with changes in angler practices and attitudes towards muskellunge, has contributed to the current status of muskellunge fisheries in Ontario. Catch-and-release angling practices, originally developed and promoted by members of Muskies Inc. and Muskies Canada Inc., have become more widespread. Handling techniques have improved and been promoted (MNR and MCI 1999). Many specialist anglers now release almost all of their catch. In Ontario, the average release rate for specialist muskellunge anglers over the period from 1979 to 2004 was 94% (Kerr 2007). Since that time the voluntary release rate by MCI anglers has increased to over 99%. Dent (1986) found that voluntary release of muskellunge in Pomme de Terre Lake, Missouri, contributed to a sustainable muskellunge fishery under increased fishing pressure. Casselman et al. (1996) concluded that voluntary catch-and-release angling practices helped to maintain and possibly increase muskellunge populations and trophy size. Clark (1983) concluded that, as release rates increased, the total catch of all fish (including trophy fish) would also increase. In Virginia, Brenden et al. (2007) estimated that increasing the minimum size limit on muskellunge from 76 to 91 cm (30 to 36 inches) would increase the numbers of trophy-sized (,106.7 cm [42 inches]) by approximately 25%. In Minnesota, Younk and Pereira (2003) attributed minimum size limit regulations and harvest ethics as having the greatest influence on the harvest of trophy muskellunge. The catch of trophy-sized muskellunge reported in Ontario has been increasing over the past two decades. Despite some potential limitations with this data set, it appears that 8.

18 current management strategies to provide trophy fishing opportunities have been successful. It is imperative that volunteer angler diary programs be supported in the future in order that the status of Ontario s trophy muskellunge fisheries can continue to be monitored and sustained. Acknowledgements Most of the data contained in this report is based on volunteer angler logs maintained by numerous muskellunge anglers who have fished in Ontario waters over the years. We are grateful to those dedicated anglers who have contributed information. Jim Bunch is thanked for providing Muskies Inc. angler log information for Ontario waters. Numerous Muskies Canada Inc. release directors, including Mike Sadiwynk, Victor Beacham, Chris Purdy, and Davin Heinbuck have provided MCI data since Luke White assisted in the compilation of the Ontario trophy muskellunge database. Constructive editorial comments on an earlier draft of this paper were provided by Matt Garvin and Brenda Koenig. References Brenden, T. O., E. M. Hallerman, B. R. Murphy, J. R. Copeland, and J. A. Williams The New River, Virginia, muskellunge fishery: population dynamics, harvest regulation monitoring, and angler attitudes. Environmental Biology of Fishes 79: Casselman, J. M Determining minimum ultimate size, setting size limits, and developing trophy standards and indices of comparable size for maintaining quality muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) populations and sport fisheries. Environmental Biology of Fishes 79: Casselman, J. M Changes in growth rate of muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) in the upper St. Lawrence River: VHS and growth rate selective mortality. Manuscript Report. Queen s University. Kingston, Ontario. 13 p. Casselman, J. M. and E. J. Crossman Size, age, and growth of trophy muskellunge and muskellunge-northern pike hybrids the Cleithrum Project, American Fisheries Society Special Publication 15: Casselman, J. M., E. J. Crossman, and C. J. Robinson Assessing sustainability of trophy muskellunge fisheries. p In S. J. Kerr and C. H. Olver [eds.]. Managing Muskies in the 90s. Workshop Proceedings WP-007. Southern Region Science and Technology Transfer Unit. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Kemptville, Ontario. 169 p. Casselman, J. M., C. J. Robinson, and E. J. Crossman Growth and ultimate length of muskellunge from Ontario waterbodies. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 19: Clark, R. D Potential effects of voluntary catch-and-release of fish on recreational fisheries. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 3: Cornelius, R. R. and T. L. Margenau Effects of length limits on muskellunge in Bone Lake, Wisconsin. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 19:

19 Dent, R. J A case history of voluntary catch-and-release of muskellunge with management implications for fishery programs. American Fishery Society Special Publication 15: Devitt, O. E The age and growth rates of Ontario game fishes. p In Fish and Wildlife Management Report No. 45. Ontario Department of Lands and Forests. Toronto, Ontario. Farrell, J. M., R. M. Klindt, J. M. Casselman, S. R. LaPan, R. G. Werner, and A. Schiavone Development, implementation, and evaluation of an international muskellunge management strategy for the upper St. Lawrence River. Environmental Biology of Fishes 79: Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame (FFHF) Official world and USA state freshwater angling records. Hayward, Wisconsin. 80 p. Gabelhouse, D. W A length categorization system to assess fish stocks. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 4: International Game Fish Association (IGFA) IGFA world record game fishes. Dania Beach, Florida. 424 p. Johnson, L. D Growth of known age muskellunge in Wisconsin and validation of age and growth determination methods. Technical Bulletin No. 49. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Madison, Wisconsin. 24 p. Kerr, S. J Muskellunge regulations in Ontario: the last fifty ( ) years. Fish and Wildlife Branch. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, Ontario. Kerr, S. J Characteristics of Ontario muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) fisheries based on volunteer angler diary information. Environmental Biology of Fishes 79: Kerr, S. J Distribution and management of muskellunge in North America: an overview. Fisheries Policy Section, Biodiversity Branch. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, Ontario. 22 p.+ appendices. MacLennan, D Changes in the muskellunge fishery and population of Lake St. Clair after an increase in the minimum size limit. p In S. J. Kerr and C. H. Olver [eds.]. Managing Muskies in the 90s. Workshop Proceedings WP-007. Southern Region Science and Technology Transfer Unit. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Kemptville, Ontario. Margenau, T. L. and S. P. AveLallemant Effects of a 40 inch minimum length limit on muskellunge in Wisconsin. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 20: Margenau, T. L. and J. B. Petchenik Social aspects of muskellunge management in Wisconsin. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 24: Nash, J Sixty-two inch musky from Ottawa has world mark. p. 10 In Winter 1998 edition of Ontario Out of Doors. Toronto, Ontario. 10.

20 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) and Muskies Canada Inc (MCI) Effective release techniques for muskellunge. Pamphlet. Queen s Printer for Ontario. 7 p. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR), Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), Muskies Canada Inc. (MCI), and Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters (NOTO) Size limit regulations for Ontario muskellunge: a new approach. Peterborough, Ontario. 12 p. + appendices. Ramsell, L A compendium of musky angling history. Musky Hunter Publications. St. Germain, Wisconsin. 378 p. Sandell, G Readers survey question where do you believe the next world record muskie will be caught? Muskie Magazine. May 1996: Scott, H. R List of fish of record size. Ontario Department of Lands and Forests. Toronto, Ontario. Scott, W. B. and E. J. Crossman Freshwater fishes of Canada. Bulletin 184. Fisheries Research Board of Canada. Ottawa, Ontario. 966 p. Warye, R Muskie! The premier waters of North America. Fishing Hot Spots Inc. Rhinelander, Wisconsin. 243 p. Wingate, P. J Philosophy of muskellunge management. American Fisheries Society Special Publication 15: Younk, J. A. and D. L. Pereira An examination of Minnesota s muskellunge waters. Investigational Report 498. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. St. Paul, Minnesota. 31 p. 11.

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22 Appendix 1. Records of trophy-sized muskellunge angled from Ontario waters, Year Number of Fish Year Number of Fish Unknown Summary 9,

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24 Appendix 2. Ontario waters from which trophy-sized muskellunge were angled, Region of Ontario 1. No. of Trophy Fish Reported 2. Largest Fish Reported 3. Southern Ontario Bald Lake (49.0) Balsam Lake (51.0) Baptiste Lake (46.0) Buckhorn Lake (52.0) Cameron Lake (46.0) Chemong Lake (48.0) Clear Lake (48.5) Conteau Lake (45.0) Corry Lake (54.0) Dalrymple Lake (53.0) Elephant Lake (47.0) Gloucester Pool (53.0) Jack Lake (50.0) Kasshabog (Kosh) Lake 1-4. Katchewanooka Lake (45.0) Kawartha lakes (unspecified) (59.0) Lake Couchiching (56.0) Lake Simcoe 1-4. Loch Garry (49.0) Lovesick Lake (49.0) Madawaska River (53.0) Magnetewan River (53.5) Moira Lake (54.0) Moira River (52.5) Moon River (56.0) Morrison Lake (50.0) Otonabee River (50.0) Petawawa River (50.0) Pickerel River (54.0) Pigeon Lake (54.0) Rice Lake (53.0) Rideau River (53.0) Round Lake (47.0) Salerno (Devil s) Lake 1-4. Sandy Lake (45.0) Scugog Lake (50.0) Severn River (52.0) South Nation River (52.0) Sparrow Lake (53.5) Stoco Lake (52.0) Stony Lake (52.0) Sturgeon Lake (51.5) Thames River (51.5) Trent River (54.0) Northeastern Ontario French River (58.0) Lake Nipissing (58.0) Lake Nosbonsing (51.0) Lauzon Lake (59.0) Murray Lake (52.0)

25 Region of Ontario 1. No. of Trophy Fish Reported 2. Largest Fish Reported 3. Nepewassi Lake (45.0) Patterson Lake (49.0) Restoule Lake (51.0) Trout Lake (50.5) Wanipitei River (48.0) Northwestern Ontario Alexandra Lake (48.0) Big Sand Lake (53.5) Big Vermilion Lake (52.5) Bladder Lake (50.0) Boulder Lake (46.0) Burditt Lake (48.0) Butler Lake 1-4. Canyon Lake (50.0) Cedar Lake (54.0) Clay Lake (48.0) Clearwater Lake (52.0) Cliff Lake (48.0) Cobble Lake (48.0) Corner (Langton) Lake (54.0) Cross Lake (50.0) Dinorwic Lake (51.0) Dogpaw Lake (49.0) Dryberry Lake (52.5) Eagle Lake (59.5) Edward Lake (47.0) English River (56.0) Flat Lake (48.0) Fluke Lake (50.0) Fog Lake (52.0) Forest Lake (52.0) Gun Lake (53.0) Indian Lake (49.0) Kakagi (Crow) Lake (55.0) Kishkutena Lake (45.0) Lac Seul (60.0) Lake of the Woods (59.0) Little Boulder Lake (48.0) Little Vermilion Lake (55.0) Long Legged (Stork) Lake (52.0) Manitou Lake (54.5) Megissi Lake (45.0) Oak Lake (49.0) Ord Lake (50.0) Perrault Lake (53.0) Pipestone Lake (55.0) Pistol Lake (50.5) Rainy Lake (54.0) Roughrock Lake (51.0) Rowan Lake (55.0) Russett Lake (47.0) Shoal Lake (50.0) Thaddeus Lake (54.0) Wabigoon Lake (53.5) Winnipeg River

26 Region of Ontario 1. No. of Trophy Fish Reported 2. Largest Fish Reported 3. Great Lakes Bay of Quinte 1-4. Detroit River (52.0) Georgian Bay (58.0) Lake Erie 0 - Lake Huron 0 - Lake Ontario (53.5) Lake St. Clair (59.0) Lake St. Francis (51.0) Lake Superior 0 - Niagara River (53.0) Ottawa River (62.0) St. Clair River (52.0) St. Lawrence River (59.0) St. Marys River (54.0) Unknown (58.0) Summary 9, Designated to one of the following four regions in Ontario: northwest, northeast, southern, and Great Lakes. 2. Fish 40 inches (101.6 cm) in total length. 3. Based on total length recorded in cm (inches). 4. Only weight recorded for the angled muskellunge.

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28 MNR ISBN