By Lonnie Parry Gillis, WXPR – Published December 10, 2024
Hi my name is Lonnie Parry, I am a Masters Student at the University of Wisconsin- Madison studying fisheries science. Today, I am going to guide us on an exploration of the fish of Vilas County, Wisconsin—an area blessed with an astounding 1,300 plus lakes. We will be talking about how the body shapes of some iconic native species tell us a lot about what they eat and where they live in our waters. From sleek predators to curious panfish, there’s a fascinating world just below the waves!
Let’s start with the muskellunge, Wisconsin’s famed “fish of 10,000 casts.” If you’ve ever seen one, you know they’re built for power and speed. Muskies have long, torpedo-shaped bodies and large, toothy mouths. These guys are serious top dog predators! Their sleek design allows them to ambush prey like perch, suckers, and smaller fish. When prey comes too close, their body shape allows them to explode with a burst of speed, striking with near exact precision. They often lurk in weed beds or along drop-offs, blending into the shadows, but these guys are not ones to stay hidden. You will often find these impressive predators right near the top or mid-level of the water column, where they can patrol for unsuspecting meals.