Probably the best way to attack Silver's muskies is with a trolling presentation at 4 to 5 mph, short-lining the baits almost in the prop wash. These fish have a great affinity for weeds. Whiz around the lake just past the deep-water weedline and watch the look of awe on your kid's face when a 34-incher eats a speed-trolled ShadRap and goes airborne!

Contact: Kenosha Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau, 1-800-654-7309.

DELAVAN LAKE
Welch also manages Walworth County's Delavan Lake, which is one of the most diverse fisheries in southern Wisconsin. Crappies here are huge. Walleyes are abundant. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass are present and wondering why more folks don't throw a lure their way. Some near-trophy-sized pike swim in Delavan. And then there are those muskies!

According to Welch, most muskies are caught by folks chasing northern pike. This 2,072-acre lake receives a stocking of muskies at the rate of one to two fish per surface acre annually. Since Delavan has proved to be such an exceptional environment for fisheries management, Welch plans on introducing two different strains of muskies in these waters in 2006. There will be close monitoring of growth rates and other parameters. About 2,500 fish of "non-vulnerable" size were stocked last month to kick off this study that could chart muskie management philosophy for the foreseeable future.

Contact: Delavan Chamber of Commerce, (262) 728-5095.

GREEN BAY
Great Lakes-strain muskies with that unique spotted paint job continue to grow in size, with truly exciting prospects in 2006 and beyond. The key to growing big muskies centers on the forage base, and these toothers have a vast and readily accessible buffet to chow down on.

Odds of hooking up during summer months aren't that good. Most fish are out there cruising the vastness of Green Bay, relating to their forage base, which could in turn be relating to water around the islands or offshore reefs. The best fishing for these spotted predators is now and again in the fall when they migrate into tributaries like the lower Fox and Menominee rivers, and places like the Sturgeon Bay ship canal.

Several years ago, I saw a dead pike about 40 inches long floating near Potawatomi State Park with a big bite out of its side. This avulsion was probably the result of a muskie attack. DNR biologists regularly sample spotted muskies in excess of 50 inches, with surveys done in the spring or fall when fish are concentrated in the rivers and the ship canal.

Even these fisheries encompass miles of water, making trolling your shortest odds presentation for hooking up. As the population continues to disperse in these vast waters, a few fish are bound to take up residence in the sheltered bays and around the islands on the bay side of the Door Peninsula during warmer months.

With all the water in Door County, I never cease to be amazed by the lack of intelligent fishing pressure for all species. This is especially true for muskies, and will likely continue until Muffin -- the little Yorkshire terrier -- goes swimming off the back of a yacht and disappears in a malevolent boil.

Contacts: Green Bay Chamber of Commerce, (920) 437-8704; Door County Chamber of Commerce, (920) 743-4456.