Fish of the Chippewa National Forest

Species	Picture	Natural History
Muskellunge		Average 7-10 pounds but reach up to 54 pounds and 5 feet in length.   these solitary fish require weed beds for cover, feeding and spawning.   Muskies are daytime feeders and feed primarily on fish and are most active when water temperatures are in the mid-60's to 80 degrees range.
Northern Pike		Average 2 to 3 pounds and reach up to 30 pounds.  The northern pike lives along marshy shorelines and inlets, is most active during the day and prefers water 65 degrees F. or cooler.  Preferred forage include fish, crayfish, frogs, and leeches.
Walleyes		Average 1 to 2 pounds and reach up to 8 to 12 pounds.  They are abundant in larger lakes and feed in the shallows at dawn and dusk.  Minnows and perch are preferred natural foods.  Being sensitive to light, walleyes spend much time in deep water.
Rainbow, Brown, Lake Trout		Stocked in a number of forest lakes.  Trout require cool oxygenated water, and feed on minnows and insects.
Bass		Medium size fish favoring warmer lakes and streams.  Largemouth bass frequent weed beds in turbid water and areas with structure while smallmouth prefer rocky areas and clear water.  Natural baits range from minnows. crayfish to dragonfly nymphs.
Perch		One of the most abundant game fish on the Forest and travel in schools of 100 or more.  Perch prefer cool deeper water and feed on minnows, insect larvae, plankton and worms.  They are important prey for northern pike, walleye, and bass.
Crappies		This species frequents weedy bays and spend their days in deeper water moving to the shallows to feed in the morning and evening.  In the winter black crappies are common 10-15 feet from the edge of drop offs.
Bluegills and Pumpkin Seeds		Usually found in or near beds of aquatic vegetation and feed on aquatic insects and invertebrates.

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