Some of these lakes are a surprise because they have the size, depth and forage but apparently don't have the proper genetics. Right now, Canada is the best destination for 30 and 40 pound muskies. A number of these Canadian lakes have the size, the depth, the forage, and the genetics necessary to produce numbers of big muskies. Fishing these clear ‘trout water’ can present its own challenges but gives the angler the best shot at a truly big musky. I am not saying that it is easy to catch a 30 pound musky in Canada, only that it is easier than in most other places in the lower 48. The sheer size of these lakes distributes fishing pressure well; the muskies haven't seen as many lures; and for some reason big Canadian muskies seem to spend more time in shallow water than in Wisconsin where I usually fish. I only spend a few weeks each year in Canada but have caught three 30 pound fish in a single day on several occasions. According to my personal records it takes me 3 times as many hours in Wisconsin to catch a 40 pound musky as it does in Canada. It is still musky fishing though and the lakes that can produce the biggest fish also have their reputations for being the stingy about giving up their muskies. Much of what I have said about Canada also applies to some of the bigger lakes in Minnesota. The point here is that in either case it isn't realistic to book a one week trip to either place and expect to catch a 30 pound musky the first time there. Sure it could happen, but a more practical strategy might be to count on making a number of trips. Once you have identified the lake you are going to stick with and have determined the time of the season that will give you your best chance, it makes sense to go back to the same location and the same week several years
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