Muskies go from a concept to part of an economic engine in Illinois
The thought of introducing muskies into Illinois’ lakes began in the early 1980s when muskie fishing enthusiasts vacationing in the Northwoods began talking to administrators and fisheries biologists from DNR about introducing muskies.
Illinois biologists and anglers were familiar with northern pike, a close relative of the muskie, but the process for introducing a second apex predator was a big unknown. How would muskie compete? Would they thrive? How large would they grow? What effects would they have on the overall fishery?
