The abundance of rivers, lakes, and streams inWisconsin provide habitat for a wide variety of fish, but one species stands out above the others. The muskellunge ("muskie"), one of the largest freshwater fish, can be found in many northern lakes. It became Wisconsin’s official state fish in 1955.

The large size and power of the muskie is subject of many a fish tale. Mounted muskies hang on tavern walls across the state, and the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward features a giant, fiberglass muskie through which visitors can walk. Every year, anglers gather "up north" for contests such as the Annual Lake Chippewa Flowage Musky Hunt.