DNR Fishing Regulations 2012 - Marshall County

Iowa’s Pike Family
Lakes and streams may contain muskie and northern pike. It
is important for anglers to know the difference among members of
the pike family in order that appropriate size, catch and possession
limits are observed.
Northern Pike
Up to 5 pores per side
They are normally a bluish-green to gray on the back with irregular
rows of light-colored horizontal bean-shaped spots on the sides.
There are five or fewer pores on each side of the lower jaw. The
entire cheek and upper half of the gill cover is scaled.
Muskellunge
Muskies usually are olive to dark gray with tiger-like vertical
markings on the side. They have 6 to 8 pores on each side of the
lower jaw. Only the upper half of both the cheek and gill cover is
scaled.
35
6 to 8 pores per side