I fished for musky when I was in grad school back in wisconsin. I caught a few, but nothing over 44" I hear the ones in mayfield lake have gotten quite sizeable. They are tiger muskies, which is really a musky/pike hybrid. They are sterile, but still try to spawn in early spring anyhow. In wisconsin they moved into the shallows right after ice out and became fairly agressive at times. Tigers are much less wary than regular muskies, but not as aggressive as northern pike.

The first week or two of stable weather after ice out could produce some really hot activity, even on the surface at times. I would imagine that around here the last part of Feb or early March would be good on a normal year, but given the lack of a winter this year, who knows when they will bite?

As for gear use heavy (ie salmon not bass) casting tackle and large bass lures. Tigers tend to prefer smaller stuff than full blooded muskies, but bigger stuff than bass. Don't forget the wire leaders (the buggers have sharp teeth). Make sure and have pliers for unhooking. too.

Let me know how the fishing is. I have been tempted to take a trip down to mayfield one of these years. But haven't been able to find the time. Maybe next year.