Musky Fishing: The Fish of 10,000 Casts

Musky flies

Fly fishing for musky, also known as muskellunge, can be one of the most challenging, rewarding, and miserable experiences in angling. Musky are large, predatory fish that are native to North America and can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Here in the Shenandoah Valley we have musky that inhabit the Shenandoah River, as well as some other rivers in the area. I'm usually a fan of hibernating throughout winter, but if we happen to steal a warm day I can be tempted to get the boat out and go for a paddle.

When & Where to Target Musky (aka Muskie or Muskellunge)

Muskies are apex predators and the largest member of the pike family. They inhabit a range of freshwater ecosystems, from weed beds and backwater sloughs to open water structures and deep pools. You’ll find muskellunge in rivers and lakes across the Midwest, the Northeast, and as far north as Lake Ontario and Lake of the Woods. Closer to home, they haunt local waters like Chautauqua Lake and various stretches of the James and Shenandoah.

These fish thrive in clear water but will use any available cover like downed trees, weed beds, rock piles to ambush prey. Unlike trout, muskies don’t feed constantly. They’re opportunistic eaters that conserve energy and strike only when conditions are just right.

Musky are most active in the wintertime so the best times to target them is Winter into early spring here in Virginia. Cooler water temperatures slow them down, but they’ll still hunt, especially in mid to late morning when the sun raises the temperature just enough to spark movement. Early morning and late evening also remain productive, though cold. For musky anglers, time on the water matters more than ideal conditions.

They tend to hold in a large pool and wait for an unsuspecting victim. They then shoot quickly out of their cover and grab the fish whole, impaling it with their teeth. Musky flies are typically large and designed to mimic the appearance of the fish's natural prey, here creek chubs and smallmouth bass. These flies are difficult to cast until you get the hang of it, and proper retrieval is required to entice a strike.

Gear & Flies

Tackle and equipment used are much larger than the typical fly rod. Musky are powerful fish so it is important to use a strong, high-quality rod and reel that are rated for larger species. Most musky fisherman I know prefer casting rods in the 10-weight class. Croix rods and similar high-quality brands offer the backbone needed to throw large musky lures, including heavy glide baits and bucktail streamers.

A strong, reliable casting reel with a high gear ratio helps retrieve large lures effectively and withstands the explosive power of a muskie strike. Use a reel with a solid drag system and back it with braided line—generally 80–100 lb line test—for strength and durability.

Don’t forget a fluorocarbon leader or wire bite tippet. Those sharp teeth will make short work of traditional mono or fluoro. Hook cutters are a must-have in case a treble hook gets buried, and always remember to remove hooks carefully to release the fish unharmed.

Musky flies are essentially baitfish imitations- big ones. You’ll see patterns that mimic suckers, creek chubs, smallmouth bass, and even northern pike. These are not dainty bugs. They're heavy lures meant to provoke a reaction.

Use a rhythmic strip retrieve, vary your angle of retrieve, and don’t hesitate to troll a streamer behind the boat if you need a break from casting. Musky will often follow a fly before striking, so a properly timed figure 8 with your rod tip at the boat can seal the deal. It’s not uncommon to hook large muskies right at your feet.

Fishing Tips

When it comes to fly fishing technique, casting and retrieving the fly are key. Make as long a cast as possible aiming for downed trees and limbs, docks, and over cover. Strip the line back in a steady, rhythmic motion to imitate a swimming fish. Vary the speed of the retrieve occasionally prey. Musky will typically follow a fly before striking, so keep an eye out for the line to start moving or for a wake behind the fly, or they may even come straight up from the bottom a T bone the fly. Lastly before casting a figure 8 should be made by the boat with your rod tip and fly as musky really don't spook easily and strikes at the boat are somewhat common.

Fishing for muskies in the early morning and late evening, when the water is cooler and the light is lower can be more productive, yet cold. These fish eat big things and because of that they don't have to eat often like trout. Be patient and persistent when fly fishing if you really want a musky. If you do manage one understand it's quite an accomplishment and multiple fish days are usually not the norm. It's a lot of casting, a lot of waiting, and a lot of cold, but when you see a face full of teeth going for your fly that all goes away really fast, just like your backing.

Dreaming of big lures and big fish? We have serious muskie anglers on our team. 

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