Tiger Muskies of the Pacific Northwest are Desperate for Anglers

The tiger muskie is the result of a muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) and a northern pike (Esox lucius) cross breed. Tiger muskies have some of the characteristics of both fish. The caudal fins on the tail of a Tiger Muskie are more rounded than those of a true muskie. These "half breeds" do occur naturally in many places, but the Tigers of Oregon and Washington have been stocked by their respective wild life agencies in a effort control other invasive species.

The waterways and reservoirs of Washington and Oregon are similar in shape and structural complexity to those found in Tennessee and Kentucky. However, when it comes to depth there is no comparison. Many of these bodies of water plunge to 200-300 feet if not more, giving a cold water species endless staging options to choose from. The staggering depths that points, break-lines, and drops-offs plunge to can be perplexing at first look. On southern reservoirs muskies may hold slightly off the bottom, near points and other structural elements, but with such great depths, holding near the bottom is seemingly out of the question for these Western Tigers. With this interesting new detail, special attention must be paid to open water areas adjacent to these structural elements. (Read the Article)