Ohio anglers may notice some more crowded waters this fall.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is releasing 20,000 muskellunge across inland lakes in the state throughout the season.
“The hatcheries stock 10- to 12-inch muskies in nine lakes each fall,” the Division of Wildlife said in a news release. “Muskies are a predatory sport fish that grow quickly and create trophy fishing opportunities.”
What is a muskellunge?
Muskellunge, also known as muskies, are long, slender fish with a large duckbill-shaped mouth and needle sharp teeth, the Division of Wildlife says. The fish have dark spots or wavy lines on their sides on a light background.
They can reach lengths of 50 inches or more, with a lot of their growth occurring rapidly during their first five years. If an angler records a muskellunge catch that measures 40 inches or more, they can receive a Fish Ohio award, which has featured a collectible pin in years past.
“The Fish Ohio program annually recognizes thousands of anglers who catch one of 25 species of a qualifying length,” according to the release. “Since 1976, the program has awarded a Fish Ohio pin to any angler who qualifies.”