Tiger Muskie
Tiger Muskie are a hybrid between Northern Pike and Muskie. Torpedo-shaped body. Dorsal fin near tail. Sides are silver to silver-green with tiger-like bars on light background. Rounded lobes on tail and fins.
About This Species
A non-native fish, and one that is a hybrid, the tiger muskie plays a small albeit important role in the management of fisheries across Colorado.
Silent Predator
“They are considered a silent predator to help us control undesirable species that are present in some of our lakes and reservoirs,” said Senior Aquatic Biologist Jeff Spohn.
The tiger muskie is a hybrid of northern pike and muskie. These fish were introduced into Colorado in the 1980s to biologically control suckers and carp and provide a trophy-sized fish. The biggest fish ever caught in Colorado was a tiger muskie. Their long snout filled with teeth and dark tiger-striped sides on a light body make them easy to identify. Many anglers relish the trophy fishing opportunities provided by these denizens of the deep, that in Colorado may reach over 40 pounds. The best opportunity to catch a tiger muskie would be by throwing large lures over vegetation during the summer. Northern pike look like tiger muskie, but have whitish irregular chain markings on a dark body.