Background
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States and the fourth longest in the world. It is the primary source of drinking water for more than 18 million people in the states it runs through, and it provides access to one of the most heavily used recreational areas in America.
For many years, anglers have fished for all kinds of fish in the Mississippi River, including bass, walleye, panfish, and other popular game fish. But is there an unspoken fish lurking in the depths of the river?
History of Musky in the Mississippi River
Musky, also known as muskellunge, are a large species of predatory fish that is native to North America. In the mid-1900s, musky were found in parts of the Mississippi River, but the species never gained a stronghold in the area. The musky disappeared from the river sometime in the late 1950s or early 1960s due to habitat loss and pollution.
Recent Reports
In recent years, there have been reports of musky in the Mississippi River, with some anglers claiming to have caught musky in the area. However, these reports are few and far between, and there is no scientific evidence to back up their claims.
Experts Weigh In
According to Dr. Nate Mickelson, a professor at the University of Minnesota, musky “are highly unlikely to establish themselves in the Mississippi River due to the lack of suitable habitats.” While the river’s water quality has improved significantly since the 1950s and 1960s, habitat loss and the presence of invasive species are still major concerns.
Another fisheries biologist, Dr. Eric Schrank, believes that if musky were to establish themselves in the Mississippi River, it would primarily be in areas near the headwaters, where the river’s water is cold enough to support the species. “However,” he cautioned, “this would require a significant effort to restore the habitat.”
Possible Reintroduction Efforts
Though the possibility of musky establishing themselves in the Mississippi River is highly improbable, state and federal agencies have taken steps to reintroduce the species to other areas of the river.
For example, in 2008, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released musky into Chautauqua Lake in an effort to restore the species and create a sustainable population. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also recently approved a plan to reintroduce musky in the St. Lawrence River.
Musky Fishing
Despite the lack of scientific evidence to back up reports of musky in the Mississippi River, many avid anglers still choose to target musky in the river, using big, hearty lures and specialized musky-fishing techniques.
These anglers usually fish at night, when the water is coldest and the musky are most likely to be feeding. They also often use specialized equipment, such as heavy rods and reels, that can handle the strong pull of the musky.
Ongoing Studies
Though the chances of musky establishing themselves in the Mississippi River are slim, the possibility can’t be completely ruled out. To that end, researchers at the University of Mississippi are currently conducting an ongoing study of the river’s aquatic ecosystems, as well as its potential as a habitat for musky.
The study, which is being funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will look at the river’s water quality, water temperature, and other factors that could potentially support musky.
Potential Challenges
If musky were to establish themselves in the Mississippi River, they would likely face several challenges, including competition with other species, such as bass, that are already well-established in the area. In addition, the presence of invasive species, as well as habitat loss due to development, could make it difficult for the musky to survive.
Finally, if musky were to become established in the river, they could potentially have negative impacts on other species, such as game fish, which could have serious economic and environmental ramifications.
Precautionary Steps
Given the potential risks associated with the introduction of musky into the Mississippi River, state and federal agencies have taken a cautious approach to reintroduction efforts, limiting them to specific areas and closely monitoring the results.
In addition, the agencies have implemented a number of conservation strategies, such as restoring native habitats, that could potentially benefit musky, should they become established in the river.
Conclusion
Though there have been reports of musky in the Mississippi River, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims. While state and federal agencies have taken steps to reintroduce musky in other areas of the river, the establishment of a viable population in the Mississippi River is highly unlikely due to habitat loss and the presence of invasive species.
