Enjoy these muskie-fishing tips by Muskies Canada Public Educational Director Andzej Jakobczak.
Tackling warm-water muskies
In summer, warm water increases muskie metabolism, prompting aggressive feeding and making fast presentations effective. Target humps, deep weed edges, saddles, and basins of more than 30 feet. Troll large, size 9-14 baits in 15-20 feet of water at 8-10.5 km/h (5-6.5 mph) with erratic speed changes.
During stable weather, fish deep edges for suspended fish; after cold fronts, work shallow weeds at low light. Burn bucktails and use oversized plastics.
Originally published in the Summer Bassin' 2026 issue of Ontario Out of Doors
Handle with care
Here’s how to ensure a safe, successful catch-and-release of your muskie this fall.
- Prepare your gear: Have a large, soft-mesh net, needle-nose pliers, a wet bump board, and hook cutters.
- Guide the fish into your net, taking care not to touch or handle it more than necessary.
- Remove hooks with pliers; if it’s difficult, cut them with hook cutters. It’s horrible to lose a fish. It’s easy to replace the hook.
- Wet the bump board before removing the fish from the net for measurement. You don’t want to cook its skin on a hot board.
- Take a breath. Remove the fish from the net, take your measurement, get a photo, and put the fish back in the water and release it all in a single breath. Minimize the time the fish is out of the water and be happy you’re helping sustain muskie for generations to come.
Learn more at: muskiescanada.ca
Originally published in the Nov.-Dec. 2025 issue of Ontario Out of Doors
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