Muskellunge regulations in North Carolina

· Freshwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A muskellunge is a keeper today if it measures at least 42 inches, with a daily limit of 1.

Muskellunge size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
All NC public waters	Open year-round	42 inch minimum	1 per day

Notes

One fish per day, must be at least 42 inches.

Exact NC Division of Marine Fisheries wording

Season: Open year-round
Size: 42-inch minimum
Limit: 1
All NC public waters — as printed: “Muskellunge — All public fishing waters | 42-inch minimum | 1”

Source: NC Division of Marine Fisheries, captured 2026-09-29 (2026 season).

Check your muskellunge in seconds

Say it, snap a photo, or type the length. SlotGauge answers KEEP or RELEASE using today's North Carolina rules.

Open SlotGauge for Muskellunge

Bluefish Cobia Wahoo Dolphin King Mackerel Spanish Mackerel Yellowfin Tuna Sharks (coastal species)

About the muskellunge

Species of fish

The muskellunge, often shortened to muskie, musky, ski, or lunge, is a species of large freshwater predatory fish native to North America. It is the largest member of the pike family, Esocidae.

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from NC Division of Marine Fisheries, not Wikipedia.

All 120 North Carolina species A–Z →

Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Muskellunge in North Carolina?

42 inch minimum in North Carolina state waters.

How many Muskellunge can you keep per day in North Carolina?

1 per day.

When is Muskellunge season in North Carolina?

Open year-round.

Is my Muskellunge a keeper today?

A muskellunge is a keeper today if it measures at least 42 inches, with a daily limit of 1.