The Muskellunge, Esox masquinongy, distribution and biology of a recent addition to the ichthyofauna of New Brunswick

The Muskellunge, Esox masquinongy has invaded the Saint John River of New B runswick in the last decode. Introduced as fingerlings into a small lake in the river system in the Province of Quebec, the fish moved downstream, inc reasing the species' range and abundance. At least 60 fish have been collec ted in New Brunswick since 1988, most at hydroelectric dams in the upper an d middle stretches of the river. A limited summer and winter fishery for Mu skellunge has developed in a lake in the northwestern part of the province. Lengths-at-age suggest that the river fish are growing rapidly. The oldest fish was VI+. Some fish of both sexes appear to mature at age III+. The pr esence of young-of-the-year fish and the condition of the gonads indicate t hat spawning has occurred and that the muskie is capable of establishing se lf-sustaining local populations in the river.