Are Muskie Good to Eat?

are muskie good to eat?

Wondering if Muskie are good to eat? You’re not alone!

Many people love fishing for Muskie, but they’re not always sure what to do with them when they catch one. We’re here to help.

Keep reading to find out whether Muskie are any good to eat, and if they are even safe to consume.

What Is Muskie? 

Muskie also spelled Musky and also known as muskellunge, is a type of freshwater fish found in North America. They’re related to other popular fish like Pike and walleye. A couple of common nicknames for Muskie are “the fish of 10,000 casts”, “ugly pike”, and “big pike”

Muskie are large fish and can grow to be over six feet long! They have torpedo-shaped bodies with spots on their back, sides, and fins.

Their diet consists of smaller fish, frogs, and crayfish.

Are Muskie Good to Eat?

So, are Muskie good to eat or not? The answer is… it depends! Some people say that Muskie tastes like a cross between catfish and walleye.

Others say that they have a “muddy” taste.

I guess you’ll have to be the judge, which leads to a more critical question of whether Muskie is safe to eat.

Are Muskie Safe to Eat?

Now that we’ve answered whether muskie fish are good to eat, it’s time to talk about safety.

As with any fish, you should be aware of the potential for mercury poisoning. However, Muskie tend to have lower levels of mercury than other fish.

In most areas, Muskie is safe to consume.

Some areas where Muskie fish may not be safe to eat due to high levels of pollutants in the water. If unsure, check with your local health department or fish and game commission.

If you decide to eat Muskie, it’s essential to cook them properly. This will help to get rid of any potential bacteria and parasites that could be present in the fish.

When cooked properly, muskie fish can make for a delicious meal!

How To Clean Muskie

Now that we’ve answered the question, “are Muskie good to eat?” it’s time to learn how to clean them.

Cleaning a muskie is similar to cleaning any other type of fish. You want to end up with a nice filet, so refer to the video below for a visual of how to properly filet a fish.

Now your Muskie is ready to be cooked!

How to Cook Muskie

There are many different ways that you can eat muskie fish. Some popular methods for cooking muskie include the obvious ones like baking, frying, and grilling.

I’ve also heard of fellas making Muskie chowder, stew, and soup.

Here is a simple recipe for baked Muskie:

baked muskie

Ingredients: 

1 pound (0.45 kg) of muskie fillets

¼ cup of butter, melted

1 lemon, juiced

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of black pepper

1 teaspoon of Old Bay

Instructions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Mix the butter, lemon juice, salt, Old Bay, and black pepper in a small bowl.

3. Place the muskie fillets in a baking dish and spread the butter mixture over the top.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the fish is cooked.

5. Enjoy!

Muskie can also be grilled, fried, or made into a fish stew! The possibilities are almost endless.

FAQ’s

Can you Keep Muskie, or Should You Catch and Release?

This is a common question with no easy answer. Some states allow for the harvest of Muskie while others have catch and release only regulations.

It depends on the state in which you are fishing as to whether or not you can keep Muskie.

Many areas are struggling to maintain a healthy population of Muskie, so consider this and be sure not to overfish and keep what you will eat.

What Size Musky Should You Keep If You Can Harvest Them?

Again, this answer will differ from state to state. Some states have a minimum size limit, while others do not.

It’s best to check with your local fish and game commission to find out the regulations in your area.

Does Muskie Taste Good? 

As we mentioned before, the answer to this question is… it depends! I think it has a bland taste and lacks some flavors you will find with other freshwater fish species like Bass or Walleye, but it’s not too far off.

Muskie calls for more flavor additions during preparation. As mentioned in the simple recipe above, adding Lemon Juice and Old Bay will give it a pop of flavor that, in my opinion, is much needed.

Being from Maryland, I’m a big Old Bay fan and in the camp of “the more, the merrier,” so don’t hesitate to be generous when adding Old Bay or your own choice of seasonings.

What Does Muskie Taste Like? 

As we mentioned, Muskie has a “muddy” taste. This is because they live in murky waters, and their diet consists of smaller fish, frogs, and crayfish.

Some people say that Muskie tastes like a cross between catfish and walleye.

Are Muskie and Pike the same fish?

Though they are related, Muskie and Pike are two different types of fish.

The Pike family are smaller than Muskie and have a longer, thinner body. They also have fewer spots than Muskie, among other differences.

Where is the Best Muskie Fishing?

The best muskie fishing can be found in North America, lakes, and rivers. Some popular spots include the Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair, and the Northern part of the Mississippi River.

No matter where you go fishing for Muskie, get a fishing license first!

Conclusion

muskie swimming in the water

So, are Muskie good to eat? I certainly think so, but I’d prefer to serve other freshwater species such as Walleye, Catfish, or Largemouth Bass. That said, I’m not going to be upset when all I have in the cooler when returning to the dock is Muskie.

For a video to help you get to start fishing for muskie, check out this one below from Today’s Angler:

For more guides related to freshwater fish species, check out the pages below:

Captain Tyler Brady

Captain Tyler Brady

Hi, I'm Captain Tyler Brady, founder of A Fellow Fisherman. Thank you for reading this post and visiting my site. I strive to provide the best information when it comes to fishing, whether it is myself or A Fellow Fisherman that is part of my team. Now stop reading and GO fishing!

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