Evaluating Muskellunge ( <i>Esox masquinongy</i> ) <scp>Catch‐and‐Release</scp> Mortality at Elevated Summer Water Temperature

Angling for Muskellunge Esox masquinongy has become widespread and increasingly popular. Management strategies include high minimum harvest lengths (>1016mm), closed seasons, catch-and-release regulations. Due to these angler behaviors, up 97% of caught are released, anglers assume fish survive be again in the future. Previous research on mortality suggested relatively low rates (0%-5%). However, studies were all conducted within range water temperatures that thermally optimal generally at <25°C. populations some latitudes routinely experience >25°C during summer months. Fisheries managers have expressed concerns regarding warm angling mortality, representing a need evaluate various multiple latitudes. Our objective was quantify warm-water (>25°C) (>760mm) identify factors influencing using experimental ponds. Adult (n=102) stocked into eight earthen or plastic lined flow-through ponds (0.06-0.71 ha) densities <16 fish/ha. (n=50) angled utilizing specialized fishing gear 19.6–32.6°C, with 32 being >25°C. Fish closely monitored 2 weeks after assess remained uncaught experiment used as controls (n=53). Mortality greater (30.0%) compared control (11.3%). Differences across temperature regimes firth's logistic regression. Five-day cumulative net time positively related probability but size sex unrelated mortality. Elevated warrant investigations population level effects varying levels exploitation.