Abundance, Age, and Growth of Muskellunge in a Riverine Population at the Southern Edge of Their Distribution

Derek Crane^1,*, Amanda Bushon², and Scott Loftis²

¹Department of Biology, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC 29528.²North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Waynesville, NC 28786. *Corresponding author.

Southeastern Naturalist, Volume 25, Issue 2 (2026): 270–287

First published early online: 26 June 2026

Abstract
Information on population biology of Esox masquinongy (Muskellunge) in rivers is limited, despite their widespread occurrence in lotic waters across their distribution. The French Broad River, NC, is at the southeastern extent of the Muskellunge’s native distribution and supports a popular Muskellunge fishery through stocking by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. We conducted a population assessment (2019−2024) to estimate abundance, growth, and natural reproduction of Muskellunge in the upper French Broad River. Adult abundance averaged 66 Muskellunge in the 51.2-km study reach (0.36/ha), and densities were comparable to the small number of other populations for which density has been estimated. Mean asymptotic length (L∞) was 1160 mm TL (95% CI = 1140−1183 mm) for females and 1069 mm (95% CI = 1053−1088 mm) for males. Recaptures of all fish indicated hatchery origin, suggesting no natural reproduction is occurring. We suggest maintaining current stocking practices and harvest regulations, and continued habitat restoration to increase potential for natural reproduction.

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