Brandyn

Muskies are being stocked in non-native water every year. A fish invading a natural lake full of native species of fish is a little different than stocking a fish to create balance in a man made lake full of non native species of fish. A Muskie in a lake is also a little bit different than a Tiger being released in the lower 48. Just my opinion Based on what I have read, the Arizona Game and Fish will be stocking more Florida Strain Largemouth Bass in Arizona. Since Largemouth Bass successfully reproduce and can survive hot water temperatures, they pose a much bigger threat to native fish species... which consist mainly of minnows. If a Muskie were to get out of any of the few lakes that can potentially support them, the chances for survival are very low... especially if they are transported to a canal, river, or lake where they can not seek refuge from the summer heat.

Great questions! Arizona was stocked with Muskies in the past, however, the lake they chose (Mormon Lake) dried up. Fortunately, there are several lakes in Arizona that do not dry up that can potentially support a healthy population of Muskie without any negative, biological effect on current species such as Largemouth Bass. Pretty much all of Arizona's popular game fish species are not native to Arizona and were introduced through stocking efforts. Most of the lakes in Arizona are also man-made. Introduced, non native game fish species include Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, and Flathead Catfish. There are a couple issues and concerns with existing populations of certain fish species that may be hurting the overall, positive potential of that particular water body. Introducing Muskie to these lakes can potentially make these issues less of a concern and create a better angling experience for all species of game fish. I have edited the thread and added more information. Please, check it out and thank you for your comments!

Hey guys. I hope you don't mind me posting this here. I was wondering if you would be interested in giving this a read and leaving your thoughts. I will include a link to the web page and leave the content on the page here if you wish to discuss things on this forum. Thank you for your time. Petition link: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/arizona-muskie-fishing Pure Muskie (Muskellunge) or Tiger Muskie in Arizona...Are you all for bringing the Muskie back to Arizona? Which lake/s would you like to see stocked with pure Muskie or Tiger Muskie?Click here to join us on our Facebook Group The Tiger Muskie is a steril cross between a pure Muskie and aNorthern Pike. We are promoting the idea and collecting signatures and comments from those who are interested in the possibility of a Muskie fishery existing in Arizona. Let's extend the Muskies range in North America!Take a look at this Muskie fishing and stocking information video uploaded bymnhuntfish.youtube.com/watch?v=D7kYBajmSsIMuskie have been caught in over 35 states and in Canada and exist in over 1,000 different bodies of water. Tiger Muskie have been stocked in over 25 states including Colorado, Idaho,Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Muskie do well in lakes and rivers. In 1973, thirty thousand six hundred Muskellunge sac-fry were planted in Mormon Lakesoutheast of Flagstaff, Arizona by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Shad were also stocked in the lake. The lake went dry and the Muskie anglers and the Muskies did not stand a chance. Let's give them another chance.Largemouth Bass were introduced to Arizona in 1897, Walleye were introduced in 1957,Northern Pike were introduced in 1965, and Flathead Catfish were introduced to Arizona in the 1940's. Some of the best Bass and Walleye fisheries in the country are also some of the bestMuskie fisheries. Muskies and other species of game fish co-exist well together.Muskies were once hunted to the point of no return in some parts of the United States. Thanks to groups like Muskies Inc., fishing clubs, state agency's, and the general public - the state of theMuskie fishery is in great shape.Illinois once had a native population of Muskies. Due to pollution, overharvest, and destruction of natural habitat, the Muskie fishery had disappeared by the late 1960’s. Through private donations, the Chicagoland Muskie Hunters division of Muskies Inc. was able to purchaseMuskie fingerlings and public lakes in Illinois were stocked in the 1970’s. Several different strains of Muskie fingerlings were purchased or trades were made. Numerous states includingIndiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisonsin helped provide Illinois with different strains of Muskie. Fish from all over eventually lead to a new strain of Muskie, which is now referred to as the “Illinois Strain.” Muskie diet samples were collected between May 2007 and May 2012 in Mingo Lake, Otter Lake, Pierce Lake, Ridge Lake, Sam Dale Lake, Lake Shelbyville, and Lake of the Woodslocated in Illinois. There was no consistent pattern of predation on Largemouth Bass or other game fish species. Shad were the primary forage of Muskies when present. Largemouth Basspopulations were analyzed after Muskie introductions in Johnson Lake, Wheel Lake, and Shovel Lake - also located in Illinois. Data and catch records from anglers show thatLargemouth Bass populations and overall average size increased after Muskies were introduced. The Muskie is a very important game fish in Wisconsin and throughout North America. 1,092Muskie in 34 bodies of water located in Wisconsin were studied from July 1991 to October 1994. Only 34.3% of the total Muskie had food in their stomach. 74% of the Muskie had one single prey item in their stomach. Fish made up 98% of the Muskies diet. Walleye ranked low in the Muskies diet while Yellow Perch were the primary forage. The Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit believes Muskies would be a better suited alternative to Northern Pike in Arizona waters. The two can co-exist together.Colorado Parks and Wildlife have talked about stocking Tiger Muskies in the Colorado Riverto help manage the Northern Pike population to protect native species of fish.New Mexico has stocked Tiger Muskies and it improved an existing Trout fishery according to resident anglers.Flathead Catfish are known as apex predators in many bodies of water throughout the U.S.Indeed, Arizona supports several healthy Flathead Catfish populations in its lakes. In fact, some of those same lakes also support healthy populations of game fish such as Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass. Many small (less than 100 acres) and large lakes around the lower 48 contain Muskies as well as excellent populations of Bluegill, Crappie, Bass, and Walleye. In a popular aquarium, Muskies have gone up to six months without eating. Muskie are more selective in their feeding habits, generally eat less than Flathead Catfish, and usually exist in much lower numbers. Furthermore, predatory fishes such as Muskies have the potential to increase the size and quality of certain fish populations of species such as Largemouth Bass. Muskie can grow to be a big, powerful fish that will hit a wide variety of fishing lures and live bait. They will follow lures, hit lures at the side of the boat or at your feet, make impressive jumps, and make powerful runs. Muskie can be caught on specialized Muskie fishing tackle, heavy Bass gear, and fly fishing equipment both casting or trolling - day and night. Cast bucktails, troll crankbaits, jig, or float your favorite fly. Some like to compare Muskie fishing to Deer hunting due to the behavioral instincts of the fish along with increased activity around low-light conditions, moon phases, and weather changes. The Muskie is renowned as a sport fish, because it can reach sizes over 50 inches long & over 40 pounds. Muskie fishing presents a unique opportunity for anglers of all ages and creates memories that last a lifetime.Muskie prefer water temperatures around 75 degrees and can tolerate water temperatures in the 89-93 degree range (Scott and Crossman 1973; Hassan and Spotila 1976; Reynolds and Casterlin 1979, Jobling 1981). Northern Pike prefer water temperatures around 68 degrees.Northern Pike can tolerate water temperatures over 86 degrees (Ridenhour 1957). Striped Bass prefer water temperatures in the 45-68 degree range. Striped Bass will be under stress when water temperatures exceed 77 degrees (Moyle 2002). Water temperatures exceeding 86 degrees can be lethal for Striped Bass. Walleye prefer water temperatures in the 68-75 degree range (Dendy 1948; Ferguson 1958; Kelso 1972; Huh et al. 1976). Water temperatures in the 86-95 degree range can be lethal for Walleye (Koenst and Smith 1976; Momot et al. 1977).Northern Pike, Striped Bass, and Walleye have done well in several lakes in Arizona. Please sign our petition and leave a comment along with where you are from. Tell us whatMuskie fishing means to you. Let's discuss the possibility of bringing the Muskie back toArizona's amazing fishery! Thank you. Your time is appreciated.Arizona Muskie Fishing Lake ProspectsLake Pleasant Surface Area: Currently, Lake Pleasant is over 9,000 acres in size. Average Depth: 70 ft Maximum Depth: 479 ft According to the Lake Pleasant Regional Park website, Lake Pleasant is home to Bluegill,Redear Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, White Bass, Striped Bass, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and Tilapia. Shad and Carp are also abundant in Lake Pleasant. Ideas for Lake Pleasant Muskie Fishing Stock Pure Muskie and/or Tiger Muskie Stock Multiple strains Closed Muskie fishing season and/or water release during the months of July, August, and September due to boat traffic and high surface water temperatures. Angler concerns Overabundant Striped Bass population Positive Muskie Attitude Create the opportunity for anglers to catch another large sport fish in Arizona. Muskie can possibly change the behavior of Striped Bass. Muskie can possibly regulate the Striped Bass population without hurting the opportunity for good fishing and potential for a trophy. The opportunity to pursue a Muskie will add to the dynamics and capabilities of Lake Pleasant and push the lakes potential as a sport fishery without any major, negative impact or change in Largemouth Bass behavior and overall biology. Create opportunity for anglers and biologist. Navionics Topography Map for Lake Pleasantwebapp.navionics.com/#@9&key=sn~mEzn_lT Ashurst Lake Surface Area: 229 acres Average Depth: 12 ft Fish species in Ashurst Lake include Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, and Northern Pike. Ideas for Ashurst Lake Muskie Fishing Stock pure Muskie and/or Tiger Muskie Stock multiple strains Angler concerns Overabundant Northern Pike population Positive Muskie Attitude Create an opportunity for a year-round Muskie fishery and the chance to catch another large, trophy sport fish in Arizona. Muskie can possibly regulate the Northern Pike population, but not completely eliminate the potential of catching the trophy game fish - while adding the opportunity to pursue another trophy species of game fish. Create opportunity for anglers and biologists. Navionics Topography Map for Ashurst Lakewebapp.navionics.com/#@12&key=kovtEnv%7CfTSalt River ChainTheodore Roosevelt Lake - 21,491 acresApache Lake - 2,567 acresCanyon Lake - 949 acresSaguaro Lake - 1,264 acres Fish species in the Salt River Chain include Sunfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Bass, Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and Walleye. Ideas for Salt River Chain Muskie Fishing Stock pure Muskie and/or Tiger Muskie Stock multiple strains Closed Muskie fishing season and/or water release during the months of July, August, and September due to high surface water temperatures. Positive Muskie Attitude Create an opportunity for a Muskie fishery in Arizona. Create opportunity for anglers and biologists. Navionics Topography Map for the Salt River Chain of Lakeswebapp.navionics.com/#@8&key=ycklEpjyeT Check out these cool links... The Arizona Game and Fish has stocked Muskellunge In Mormon Lakewaterandwoods.net/2008/10/musky-range-expanded-with-the-hybrid-tiger-musky Muskies Inc. - Muskie Fishing Conservationmuskiesinc.org Search YouTube for Muskie fishing videosyoutube.com/results?search_query=muskie+fishing Check out The Musky Hunter TV showyoutube.com/user/MuskyHunterTV/videosCheck out Keyes Outdoors TV showyoutube.com/user/keyesoutdoors/videos Check out Muskie fishing tacklemuskyshop.com Learn about and discuss Muskie fishingmuskiefirst.com Arizona Game and Fish Departmentazgfdportal.az.gov A Muskies Dietfiles.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_wildlife/fisheries/species/muskie/MUE_Diet.pdf Muskie Impact and Diet on Lake Vermilionlakevermilion.com/muskies/htmls/diets.html Brochure on the Behavior and Diet of Muskiesnewmexicomuskiesinc.org/resources/muskiefeeding_brochure$5B1$5D.pdfProject Green Gene Muskie Study - Investigating the performance of different genetic strains of Muskiesillinimuskiesalliance.org/projectGreenGene.asp Walleye stocking and fishing in Arizonaazgfd.gov/w_c/research_walleye.shtml Arizona Muskie Fishing Facebook Pagefacebook.com/groups/arizonamuskiefishingFish HatcheriesJake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery - Illinois -http://www.ifishillinois.org/programs/hatchery.htm...ifishillinois.org/programs/hatchery.html#jakeGovernor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery - Wisconsin -dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/hatcheries/govthompson.htmlWild Rose Fish Hatchery - Wisconsin - dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/hatcheries/wildrose.htmlArt Oehmcke Hatchery - Wisconsin - travelwisconsin.com/tours/art-oehmcke-fish-hatchery-203592Keystone Hatcheries - Wisconsin - keystonehatcheries.comBlack River Falls Fish Propagation/Rearing Station - Wisconsin -dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/hatcheries/hatcheries.htmlLondon State Fish Hatchery - Ohio - ocvn.osu.edu/places/london-state-fish-hatchery-madison-countyKincaid State Fish Hatchery - Ohio -wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/publications/fish%20management/pub011.pdfSt. Paul Fish Hatchery - Minnesota -dnr.state.mn.us/minnaqua/fisheries_management_tour/st_paul.htmlWaterville State Fish Hatchery - Minnesota -dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/waterville/index.htmlMinnesota Muskie Farm - Minnesota - manta.com/c/mm5flj8/minnesota-muskie-farmMinor E. Clark Fish Hatchery - Kentucky - fs.usda.gov/detail/dbnf/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb527621Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery - New Jersey - state.nj.us/dep/fgw/hacktown.htmValentine Fish Hatchery - Nebraska -outdoornebraska.ne.gov/fishing/programs/hatcheries/valentine.aspHarrison Fishery - Missouri - harrisonfishery.comRathbun Fish Hatchery - Iowa -iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/DNRStaffOffices/FishHatcheries/RathbunFishHatchery.aspxSpirit Lake Fish Hatchery - Iowa -iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/DNRStaffOffices/FishHatcheries/SpiritLakeFishHatchery.aspxApple Grove Fish Hatchery - West Virginia - wvdnr.gov/fishing/warmwater_hatchery.shtmMarion State Fish Hatchery - North Carolina -ncwildlife.org/Fishing/HatcheriesStocking/NCWRCHatcheries/ColdwaterHatcheries.aspx