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For years I have heard the stories and seen a few pictures of the tiger muskies in Merwin. I always wanted to go try it out and see if I could catch one. I don’t know if it was the fact that everyone said they were impossible to catch, that made me not try or just the fact that I fish for so many other species I just didn’t have the time. Needless to say, I’m disappointed in myself for not going and trying sooner. These fish are by far on of the most interesting and exciting fish I have encountered! In no way do I claim to be an expert, but I have learned a lot about these toothy giants in the last couple weeks. My fascination with them has grown into an addiction just like every other fish I target.

A tiger musky is the offspring of a muskellunge and a northern pike. Washington’s tiger muskies are hatchery-bred from eggs supplied by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Washington fish and game has planted them in Mayfield, Merwin, Tapps, Evergreen, Curlew, Newman, and Silver (Spokane County) lakes to control nuisance fish. These fish are considered to be sterile so their population can be sustained only by continued stocking. Many people have their doubts on this; rumors are said that nature found a way. In Merwin population estimates are at about only 1200-1400 fish, I have my doubts on this number as well considering I haven’t been fishing for them that long and every time I go I seem to find them cruising lots of the shoreline. This number is very low from an anglers perspective, but take my word for it, get out and fish for them…you will locate fish, and have a chance at catching them.

Tiger muskies make seasonal and daily movements; their behavior is affected by weather, wind, water temperature, light, and other factors. In late spring they return from winter depths to warm shallow areas. During the summer and fall they can be found hovering on deep structure or drop offs, they can also be found close to shore on any sort of structure that they can use to ambush prey. They’re more likely to be shallow during warm weather and low light periods. It’s not uncommon to see a fish come out from its structure to investigate the boat or vessel that is in its territory. Right now is one of the best times to go fish for these shallow monsters. In the past few days I have located many fish right on shore waiting to ambush fish. Just find good structure and 5 out of 10 times you will find a musky holding to it in Merwin.

I have found that tackle selection is one of the hardest things when it comes to catching a musky. I have tried every lure you can think to throw at them. You will get many follows on lots of baits but not a lot of strikes. I have come to find out that the buck tail seems to be the lure of choice for most musky fishermen. According to a lot of people it’s the number one musky catcher in the country, and Washington is no exception. The buck tail just seems to be the most consistent for catching these fish. I can’t seem to find them locally but http://gruntmuskielures.com/ is a great source for getting the musky lures you need. Don’t get me wrong other baits can catch fish. Other lures to try include swim baits, jerk baits, top waters (zara spooks), spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. For you rod and reel I prefer a 7 ½ medium heavy rod, with a Abu Garcia 5000 series reel. You’re going to want to run at least a 25 pound test line, and I prefer mono just because of the water clarity we have at Merwin. Lastly you need to invest in some wire leaders. Imagine how you would feel to finally hook one of these fish and have him break off because their sharp teeth cut your line! Berkley makes some nice wire leaders. I would go with 30 pound 12” length.

In no way are these fish easy to catch, they are one on the most challenging fish I have attempted to catch. Its going to take some patience and persistence. Buy some books, do some more research on line, go out and try for these fish, the second you hook on, you will be hooked to! Thanks for reading, and remember Once The Addiction Starts It Never Stops!

YOUR CRAZY ADDICTED FISHERMAN…THE BASSINPIMP

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