Tiger muskellunge in Wisconsin
WDNR limits, records and lakes for tiger muskellunge.
- 1; minimum length 40limit
- 51 lbs. 3 oz.record
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tiger muskellunge in Wisconsin, the overview
Tiger muskellunge (Esox lucius x Esox masquinongy) sits in the Pikes (Esocidae) family on the WDNR fish list and counts as game fish under Wisconsin rules. The first WDNR row, inland waters, allows 1; minimum length 40 inches with a season of May 2, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 (open water only).
A 51 lbs. 3 oz. fish from Lac Vieux Desert (2019) heads the hook and line list.
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| Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Inland waters | 1; minimum length 40 inches | May 2, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 (open water only) |
| Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters (some waters may have larger minimum length limits; look for signs) | 1; minimum length 50 inches | June 1, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 (open water only) |
| Menominee River from the Hattie Street Dam in Marinette downstream to the eastern end of the breakwalls in Green Bay | 1; minimum length 54 inches | June 1, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 (open water only) |
| Mississippi, St. Croix and St. Louis rivers | 1; minimum length 50 inches | May 23, 2026 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Lake Michigan tributaries north of Hwy 10 (Marinette, Oconto, Brown, Door, Kewaunee and Manitowoc counties); all Green B | 1; minimum length 54 inches | May 23, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 (open water only) |
| Lake Michigan tributaries south of Hwy 10 (Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties) | 1; minimum length 40 inches | May 2, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 |
| North of Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc | 1; minimum length 54 inches | May 23, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 (open water only) |
| South of Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc | 1; minimum length 40 inches | May 2, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 |
| Lake Superior | 1; minimum length 40 inches | May 23, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 (open water only) |
| Winnebago System waters | 1; minimum length 50 inches | May 2, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 |
2026-2027 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations (WDNR). Checked October 2026.
tiger muskellunge records by category
| Category | Weight or length | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line | 51 lbs. 3 oz. | Lac Vieux Desert | Vilas | 2019 |
| live release | 49.25 in | Yellow Lake | Burnett | 2026 |
WDNR record fish list, revised September 2026; angler names left out.
Where tiger muskellunge turn up in Wisconsin
Largest lakes with tiger muskellunge
- Lac Vieux Desert4,017 acres
- Yellow Lake2,283 acres
WDNR Find a Lake fish lists and fisheries designation layers; largest waters first.
More Wisconsin fish grouped with tiger muskellunge
- Northern pikePikes (Esocidae)
- MuskellungePikes (Esocidae)
- Grass pickerelPikes (Esocidae)
Wisconsin water near Tiger muskellunge, photographed
Photo: Corey Coyle, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick facts people look up on tiger muskellunge
What daily limit applies to tiger muskellunge here?
1; minimum length 40 inches on inland waters; season May 2, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 (open water only). Other waters have their own rows.
Does the WDNR list a record tiger muskellunge?
51 lbs. 3 oz. from Lac Vieux Desert in 2019 (hook and line).
Which Wisconsin lakes hold tiger muskellunge?
2 waters here, starting with Lac Vieux Desert and Yellow Lake.
Are tiger muskellunge stocked in Wisconsin?
No stocking is listed for it.
How does the WDNR classify tiger muskellunge?
Esox lucius x Esox masquinongy, Pikes (Esocidae); game fish.
Which months can I keep tiger muskellunge?
May 2, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 (open water only) on inland waters.
Do visitors need a license for tiger muskellunge?
Anglers 16 and older need a Wisconsin fishing license: $20 a year for residents and $55 for nonresidents, with a $5 first-time buyer rate for residents.
Do outfitters list tiger muskellunge?
None of the listed guides name it.
Plan a Wisconsin trip for tiger muskellunge
Choose a water above, then check its rule table.