muskellunge

noun mus·kel·lunge \ ˈməs-kə-ˌlənj \

|Updated on: 5 Aug 2018

Definition of muskellunge

plural muskellunge

: a large North American pike (Esox masquinongy) that has dark markings, may weigh over 60 pounds (27 kilograms), and is a valuable sport fish

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Recent Examples of muskellunge from the Web

The rest of the fish community includes muskellunge, northern pike, white sucker, brown bullhead, yellow perch, spot-tail shiner, Johnny darter and a handful of other small species.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Can the walleye population rebound in McDermott Lake if bass and panfish are reduced?," 30 June 2018
The tribes are allowed to take no more than 120 walleyes, 30 smallmouth bass, eight muskellunge and two sturgeon per river or stream segment.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: A decrease in walleye spearing declarations follows a year of record numbers," 25 Apr. 2018
In addition to the walleye figures, the tribes' declared intentions to harvest 1,521 muskellunge in 2018.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: A decrease in walleye spearing declarations follows a year of record numbers," 25 Apr. 2018
Because of the predominantly catch-and-release nature of muskellunge fisheries, determination of vital statistics such as annual survival and maximum growth potential are critical to managing them, according to the agency.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Conference provides snapshot of Midwest fish and wildlife issues," 3 Feb. 2018
Summer and fall are excellent times to fish the rivers, Donofrio said, and anglers have the chance to catch walleyes, northern pike and muskellunge while trying for smallmouth.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Kayaks are a perfect vessel to reach Oconto River smallmouth," 16 Sep. 2017
HAYWARD - Hayward is home to a larger-than-life muskellunge at the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Wisconsin musky tale gives new meaning to CPR," 18 Oct. 2017
The bay has also been the focus of the DNR's restoration efforts for the Great Lakes spotted muskellunge.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Green Bay waters worthy of a title, too," 24 June 2017
Outdoors Record muskie caughtin upper Potomac River The Maryland Department of Natural Resources confirmed that a Washington County woman has set a muskellunge (muskie) nontidal state fishing record.

— baltimoresun.com, "Digest (May 10): Motion-trained Dancing Rags leads 31 nominated for Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico," 11 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'muskellunge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of muskellunge

alteration of Canadian French maskinongé, from Ojibwa ma·skino·še·

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First Known Use: 1777

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