Muskellunge Movement in the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior

SLRMU

May 2017 - May 2022

The status of muskellunge, an indicator species for the St. Louis River Estuary Area of Concern, and their use of restored habitats is uncertain. Our study focuses on muskellunge population dynamics, habitat use and movement patterns in the St. Louis River Area of Concern. Genetic analysis of ancestry will determine if Minnesota and Wisconsin stocked strains have different behaviors and contributions to reproduction. Our goals are to refine population estimates, determine which habitats are important for sustaining muskellunge and determine if they utilize restored habitats. To detect movement and habitat use, we deployed acoustic receivers from the Fond Du Lac Dam (upstream barrier) to Lake Superior. Movement and habitat use will be further investigated through regular mobile tracking.

• Quantify temporal muskellunge movement, spawning-site selection and habitat use in the St. Louis River.
• Estimate key population dynamics in the St. Louis River.
• Determine if behaviors differ between genetic strains.

• Refined population estimates.
• Improved understanding of muskellunge ecology in the St. Louis River Estuary Area of Concern.
• Knowledge of how restoration efforts have contributed to the sustainability of the muskellunge population, and whether additional sites would benefit from enhancement or protection.
• Provide a case study to guide future management and restoration efforts of muskellunge in other areas of the Great Lakes.

• Dan Wilfond (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) - dan.wilfond@state.mn.us
• Paul Venturelli (University Of Minnesota)
• Erin Schaeffer (University Of Minnesota)
• Jeramy Pinkerton (Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources)
• Patrick Schmalz (Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources)

• University of Minnesota
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

• Minnesota Sea Grant
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources