Movements and habitat use of muskellunge in Green Bay, Lake Michigan

Session: Restoration and Management of Great Lakes Fishes (4)

Robert Sheffer, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, [email protected]
Daniel Isermann, USGS-Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, [email protected]
Daniel Dembkowski, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, [email protected]
Joshua Raabe, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, [email protected]
Steve Hogler, Wisconsin DNR, [email protected]

Abstract

Green Bay and its tributaries support a world-class fishery for trophy muskellunge that attracts anglers from across North America. The Lower Fox River and Green Bay muskellunge population is largely supported by stocking because natural recruitment is limited, possibly due to habitat limitations. While previous work has identified potential spawning locations, it is unknown whether muskellunge hatch at these locations and habitat attributes associated with successful hatching have not been determined. Our objectives are to: 1) determine the proportion of muskellunge spawning in tributaries to lower Green Bay or in Green Bay proper; 2) determine the proportion of adults that return to stocking locations to spawn; 3) determine if muskellunge return to the same spawning locations in consecutive years; 4) define habitat conditions that result in successful hatching and 5) characterize general movement patterns of muskellunge. We will identify spawning sites of tagged muskellunge (N = 60) using radio and acoustic telemetry and conduct spawning habitat surveys. Presence or absence of eggs and larvae at spawning sites will be used to develop predictive maps of suitable habitat. Information obtained from this study will be used to develop habitat improvement projects that aim to increase availability of suitable spawning habitat.