Detroit Lake...Fact or Fiction!

[saintmark]

I heard some guy say that there were only about 60 muskie in Big and Little Detroit. That seems far fetched. Heck I caught a 42" and a 48" on thur and fri respectively. Don't worry....I caught, photoed, and released very carefully. It does my heart good to watch those monsters swim off looking back at me with their middle fin held out of the water. I also heard his claim that him and a buddy caught a 60" a couple of season ago, but couldn't get it in the boat. Seems that 60 is being repeated alot. Now I'm not looking to stir up the lake water. I've been accused of that before. I'm just looking for some facts not fish tales. YES I've seen stocking reports, so don't quote those. I know some muskie die from poor handling and the taxidermist, BUT only 60!! In the few years I've fished on D, I've never seen a dead muskie. I'm sure there is some local lore around the lake, guides that see the water regularly, and guys like me that love that lake and wonder!! Anything posted would be apreciated for all to read and see.

[DEADhead]

that guy is full of hogwash, there is no way there are only 60 muskies in that lake. There were 4 muskies sampled in the 2003 survey. There were about a dozen gill nets and trap nets placed. While they are good as estimating the approximate size structure and distribution of the fish in the lake, it is difficult to get a true population estimate. but 60? no way! I can tell you that if there were only 60 muskies in Detroit, there would be a closed season for Muskies.

As far as a 60" muskie in Detroit, it's possible, however, pretty unlikely. It takes up to 17 or 18 years for a fingerling to top out between 50 and 56 inches. Muskies fingerlings were first stocked in Detroit in 1989, putting the oldest fish at about 17 years old. Even with the abundant forage in Detroit, it is unlikely a muskie is pushing 60" already.

Call 218 847 1579 and talk to Dave Friedl (DNR Fisheries Area Mgr). If he is not available ask to speak to one of the Specialists. They will set you clear on the Muskie population in Detroit.

[Scoot]

Yep, what DeadHead said. 60? Nope. Also, when you hear stories about the 60" fish that got away, it should pique your skepticism-detector in a big way. I sure wish I had a dollar for every time I heard somebody tell the story of the 60" fish they saw or had on, but just couldn't quite get in the boat. I'd be rich!

[fisherdog19]

I think 60 inches is a little far fetched, maybe 56 inches. As far as 60 fish in the lake, that's pretty funny . I guess I caught half the lakes population a few years back out of only 4 spots . There's over 3000 acres and even if there was only one fish every 10 acres, that's over 300.