Musky Catch and Release on Lake of the Woods

A trophy musky might be older than the angler holding it. Handle that fish badly and you do not just lose a photo — you take a fish that took fifteen years to grow out of the system for good.

Musky fishing on Lake of the Woods is catch-and-release in practice, and a clean release is part of the sport here. Saarela’s Moonlite Bay Lodge on Little Raspberry Island near Morson, Ontario, and guide Drew Cohen fish this way as a matter of course, because the next trophy depends on it. Plan your trip at saarelas.com.

Why is musky fishing catch-and-release here?

Big musky are old, slow-growing fish, so releasing them is what keeps a trophy fishery producing trophies year after year.

A 50-inch musky can be well over a decade old. Take a handful of those out and the fishery feels it for years. Every fish your group releases in good shape is one another angler may catch a season or a decade from now. That is the deal that keeps Lake of the Woods worth the trip. [CONFIRM: keep size and limit specifics general and link the official Ontario fishing regulations source rather than stating limits here.]

How do we handle and release a musky properly?

Keep the fish in the water in a big net, minimize air exposure, support its weight horizontally, take one quick photo, and revive it fully before letting go.

Leave the fish in the landing net in the water while you ready your tools and camera. Lift it for as little time as possible, supporting the body rather than hanging it vertically. Get the hooks out quickly, take the photo low over the water, then hold the fish upright in the lake until it kicks off on its own. The whole out-of-water sequence should be measured in seconds.

What release tools do we need?

The release kit is an oversized rubber-coated net, long pliers, hook cutters, and a jaw spreader — ready before the fish is at the boat.

Fumbling for tools is what keeps a fish out of the water too long. Have everything within reach so the release is quick and calm. For the full tackle and release-gear breakdown, see musky gear for Lake of the Woods, and bring enough for every angler in the boat.

What about photos and measuring?

Measure quickly against a bump board or the boat, take the photo low over the water, and get the fish back — the picture is not worth the fish.

Have the camera ready before you lift the fish, shoot over the water so a slip ends in the lake, and keep the celebration short. A guided day is a good way to learn clean handling firsthand — see guided musky fishing with Drew. Stay in one of five island cabins — Musky Manor, Bear’s Den, Beaver Lodge, Loon’s Nest, or Squirrel Lodge — and see current rates, boat rentals, and guide fees.