Chasing Muskies in Iowa’s Waters

Chasing Muskies in Iowa’s Waters

By Jacob Dean

Beneath the surface of some of Iowa’s larger northern lakes and rivers lurks a prehistoric predator – the mighty Muskellunge, or muskie for short. Muskies offer a unique challenge and an unforgettable thrill for those lucky enough to hook one. These freshwater giants can easily surpass 50 pounds, transforming a peaceful fishing trip into an adrenaline-fueled battle.

Building Your Muskie Gear
Muskie fishing requires specialized equipment to handle these brutes, often bigger and heavier gear than what we generally use to target bass and walleye. To be honest, it can get expensive to get into muskie fishing. The rods, the reels, and all the tackle quickly adds up. However, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s how to build your muskie arsenal without emptying your wallet.

Your rod is the first line of defense in a muskie fight. You need a sturdy, heavy-action rod that can withstand lunges and headshakes. While budget-friendly options exist, prioritize quality here. After all, a good rod will prevent heartbreak when a trophy muskie throws the hook.

Similar to rods, reels need to be robust. Look for features like a high gear ratio for fast retrieves, a powerful drag system to handle powerful runs, and a large line capacity to accommodate the thick braided line used for muskie fishing. While budget reels are available, consider this an investment. A quality reel will last for years and ensure you land the fish of a lifetime. I strongly believe you get what you pay for when it comes to reels, so this is not the place to sacrifice quality.

Lure Selection
The world of muskie lures is vast, with options ranging from tiny spoons to colossal soft plastics exceeding two pounds! Here are a few essentials to get you started.

You should have a selection of soft plastic lures. These versatile baits are a personal favorite for many anglers, and are good to use this time of the year through fall. Choose your favorite color patterns and stock your tackle box. Soft plastics offer a variety of retrieve speeds to match the muskie’s mood.

A go-to for almost any muskie fisherman are bucktails. Bucktails create enticing vibrations in the water that attract curious muskies. They can invoke a strike when other lures aren’t working. Additionally, grab a few crankbaits, swimbaits, and jigs: These come in a dizzying array of sizes, shapes, and actions. Experiment with different options to find what works best on your target lake. The crankbait and swimbaits can imitate popular baitfish, and although I do not prefer to jig for muskie, I am not afraid to jig when nothing else is working.

Fishing Tactics
Muskies are notoriously cautious eaters, often following a potential meal before committing to a strike. Your secret weapon? The figure-eight retrieves. Here’s how to use it. If a muskie is hot on your tail, mimicking a fleeing baitfish can trigger a strike. Speed up your figure-eight retrieve with tight turns to create a sense of urgency. On the other hand, a sluggish figure-eight with wider turns might entice a lethargic muskie to take a closer look, making your bait seem like an easier target. I’ve found right after spawning females tend to be sluggish. Slowing things down might help entice that strike post spawn. In just a few weeks, both the males and females will be hungry again and things will heat up this summer.

Summer muskie fishing is a double-edged sword. It offers some of the best opportunities to target these freshwater giants, but it can also be a test of patience. Muskies become more active feeders during the warmer months. The key to summer muskie success is capitalizing on those prime feeding times. Get to your fishing spot well before sunrise, ideally an hour or two early. Fish early and then in the evenings. Muskies often resume feeding activity as the sun dips lower, offering another shot at hooking a trophy. Summer nights can be magic for muskie fishing. As water temperatures cool and daytime boat traffic subsides, muskies become more active. Be prepared to fish well into the night for the chance to land a monster under the stars. While summer offers more opportunities, muskies remain notoriously selective. You might encounter them, but getting them to strike is another story. Here’s where patience and strategy come into play. Be prepared for some slow periods, but remember, the reward of a hooked muskie makes all the waiting worthwhile.

Patience and Perseverance
The muskie chase is more than just equipment. Patience, strategy, and understanding the fish’s behavior are key to success. Many experienced anglers swear by fishing during weather changes or specific lunar phases, which can trigger muskie activity. With the right gear, a strategic approach, and a touch of luck, you might just find yourself hooked on the thrill of the muskie chase.