Help Restore the St. Lawrence Muskie!
Muskellunge, commonly called muskies, are one of the most sought after trophy game fish in the St. Lawrence River. Anglers come from all over the world in search of these amazing fish, which can grow to be several feet long.
However in the 1980s, muskie populations were on the decline because of over-fishing and habitat loss, putting the future of these fish at risk. And, recently, muskie populations have been severely impacted by a new virus, viral hemorrhagic septicemia or VHS.
Patrick Scanlon releases a 45″ muskie off Dark Island on November 9, 2024. Submitted to the 2024 Dan Tack Tournament.
Partnership Promotes Catch & Release
In the late 1980s, anglers, researchers and Save The River teamed up to encourage the catch & release of muskies to help the population grow. Since 1987, fishing guides and anglers have caught and released thousands of muskie!
This program has helped to rebound muskellunge populations that have been declining since the 1980s. The effect of the VHS virus has made the Muskie Release Program more important now than ever. Replacing large adults back into the River will help to strengthen the remaining muskie population.
Tips for Successful Release:
Unhook the fish without removing it from the water
This is the best way to ensure a successful catch & release!
Hold the fish horizontally
Holding a fish vertically by the mouth strains their internal organs and can do irreversible harm.
Cover the fish's head with a damp towel
This can help calm a stressed fish.
Take pictures quickly
The longer a fish is out of the water, the worse it is for the fish. While it's important to celebrate , please also be considerate of how stressed the fish is while out of the water.
Use an antiseptic to help hook wounds heal
Some anglers use an antiseptic salve to run on the hook wound to help fish heal. This is one way to ensure the fish will continue to thrive even after being caught.
Reward for Releasing a Muskie
Save The River, the SUNY ESF Thousand Islands Biological Station, and local fishing guides have teamed up to offer anglers a limited edition signed Michael Ringer print to anglers who have caught and released a legal sized muskie.
The only way to get your hands on one of these prints is to certify that you have caught and released a legal sized muskie. To claim your print, submit your catch & release on our online form.
As soon as we receive your form, we’ll send you the limited edition Michael Ringer print Sovereign to commemorate your fish. This print is only available to anglers who have participated in the Muskie Catch & Release program. All participants are also automatically entered in to our Dan Tack Annual Muskie Catch and Release Tournament with the winner being announced at our annual Winter Environmental Conference.
Thank you to our program Partners!
The Muskie Catch & Release program would not be possible without the support of our partners. Many thanks to: