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Lake St. Clair continues to be Michigan's premier muskie destination. There are probably more Great Lakes muskies per acre in 250,000-acre Lake St. Clair than in any other lake in the world.

"Lake St. Clair muskie numbers are at a very high level," said Mike Thomas of the Great Lakes Fisheries Research Station at Mt. Clemens. "The fishing has been consistent for the last 8 to 10 years. It's difficult monitoring muskie abundance, though. Most of the information we get is from catch rates provided by anglers."

While anglers are thrilled with the abundance of muskies in the lake, biologists fear that high densities of muskies can lead to the spread of disease. Lake St. Clair muskies may also hold the key to Michigan's muskie future.

"We got some eggs and milt this past spring by accident," said Thomas. "Most of it went to Wisconsin for a study they are doing to see if the Great Lakes-strain of muskies is a viable source for future plants."

Thomas said there is support to establish a comprehensive muskie management plan in Michigan. One of the questions is "Do we really need it?" said Thomas. Thomas said there are variables such as hatchery limitations, finding a consistent source of fish that are genetically different, and getting a handle on the bacterial disease that is showing up in Lake St. Clair muskies. Only then can Michigan jump in with both feet in establishing a bona fide muskie program.

In the meantime, Lake St. Clair continues to produce a fantastic muskie fishery.

"There are muskies in U.S. waters all year long," said Thomas, "but generally the muskies move to Canadian waters during the summer and early fall."

Thomas pointed out that Canadian waters make up two-thirds of the lake. Some contend that there are two distinct populations of muskies in the lake. One spawns in the shallow confines of Anchor Bay. The other population spawns in Canadian waters. The Anchor Bay fish are available through June, but clear water, floating vegetation and boating traffic on the U.S. side of the lake make catching them difficult.

From the mouth of the Clinton River south is usually a hotspot. Speed-trolling to cover water with Believers, Terminators and other giant lures behind planer boards and rods spotted near the prop wash draw ferocious strikes. The idea is to cover water, change plugs and clean weeds.

This is a portion of the article written by Mike Gnatkowski
To read the entire article, click here.