Michigan Muskie Alliance is not just a fishing club, far from it. MMA has always called itself a conservation organization above all. Through cooperative projects MMA is making muskie fishing better in Michigan.

Iowa - Michigan Muskie Transfer

Each year since 2002 Michigan Muskie Alliance has sponsored a program in cooperation with the Iowa and Michigan DNR. MMA covers feed cost while in Iowa's Spirit Lake Hatchery, then arranges and funds transportation costs to bring 5-10,000 muskie fingerlings to the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Michigan. Since 2002, this program has been responsible for stocking over 25,000 muskies in the state of Michigan. This program has been a real boost to stocking numbers as the Michigan DNR continues to improve its own muskie rearing program.

Thornapple Lake Tracking Study

Central Michigan University, Michigan DNR, Michigan Muskie Alliance and Muskies, Inc. sponsored this study that kicked off in 2004 and will continue through 2006. A graduate student from Central Michigan University is currently tracking 18 muskies in Thornapple Lake. These fish are fitted with sonar transmitters and their movements are tracked throughout the year. This study is important to determine spawning areas as well as migrations that may occur into the Thornapple River. Currently Thornapple Lake carries a 50" size limit because this is one of two lakes in Michigan that provide eggs for the muskie-rearing program.

Know the Difference

This program has been around since 2002 and will be one of our ongoing programs. Michigan Muskie Alliance purchased the rights to artwork for signs that show anglers how to tell the difference between a Muskellunge, Hybrid (Tiger) Muskellunge and a Northern Pike. These signs are very effective as many of the lakes we have in Michigan were once stocked with tiger muskies but are now being stocked with pure strain muskies. The signs also make anglers aware of the substantial difference in size limit of the Northern Pike 24" and the Muskellunge 42" (Thornapple Lake size limit is 50")

Here's how you, too, can Know the Difference!

Fish Fest

Fish Fest is put on each year at Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery. This event is directed at children and Michigan Muskie Alliance began participating in 2004. This has been a great way for MMA to meet the public and spend some time educating children and their parents on the importance of predators in a balanced fishery.