Madison, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Conservation Department
Summary
Three species of the genus Esox occur in Wisconsin: the muskellunge, Esox masquinongy, the northern pike, Esox lucius, and the grass pickerel, Esox americanus vermiculatus. Muskellunge are chiefly confined to northern Wisconsin, while northern pike occur statewide. Grass pickerel have a southern distribution in the state, although in recent years the species has become established in some waters in northeastern Wisconsin. The first two species, because of their large size and desirability to the angler, have been the object of research studies and substantial fish management effort in the form of stocking and angling restrictions. Until the present paper, study of pickerel in Wisconsin has been confined to observations of distribution and habitat.