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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Muskellunge, more commonly known as muskie, aren’t your run-of-the-mill sportfish. The sharp teeth, large size (more than three feet in length), and fighting ability of muskie make them the catch of a lifetime for many anglers.
People interested in pursuing “the fish of 10,000 casts” can get information on muskie fishing at free Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) events on May 5 and May 7. These events will consist of a virtual program on May 5 and two hands-on muskie fishing opportunities at Fellows Lake on the north side of Springfield on May 7. Here are details on these programs:
May 5, 7-8:30 p.m., Fellows Lake Muskie Fishing (Virtual): At this online program, MDC Conservation Educator Lyle Whittaker will discuss muskie fishing in Missouri and will cover muskie biology, equipment and tackle, regulations, and techniques. People can register for this program at:
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/183899
May 7, 7-11 a.m., 4-8 p.m., Fellows Lake Muskie Fishing (In-Person): On May 7, people will have two opportunities to test their muskie-fishing skills in person. At these events, MDC has partnered with Fellows Lake Marina and City Utilities of Springfield to fish for muskie at Fellows Lake. There will be two fishing sessions, from 7-11 a.m. and from 4-8 p.m. Fellows Lake Marina will provide the boats and MDC will provide fishing equipment suited for muskie fishing. (Anglers are welcome to bring their own equipment if they have it.) All participants must possess a current Missouri fishing license (if not exempt). To participate in this event, anglers must have been part of the May 5 virtual program. To register for the May 7 hands-on fishing events:
Muskie - a revered and challenging catch for anglers who fish lakes in the northern U.S. (hence the nickname "fish of 10,000 casts") - are not native to Missouri. The Show-Me State's first muskie stocking occurred in 1966 at Pomme de Terre Lake and the fish is still found there today. Other Missouri reservoirs where muskie are found are Fellows Lake (Greene County), Hazel Creek Lake (Adair County), Busch Conservation Area Lake (St. Charles County) and Henry Sever Lake (Knox County). Missouri’s muskie population consists of fish that are raised at MDC hatcheries and then released at one of the above-mentioned areas.
To get more information about the May 5 and May 7 programs, contact Whittaker at Lyle.Whittaker@mdc.mo.gov.
Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.
