The year 2025 marked a truly exceptional period for muskie fishing in Wisconsin, particularly in the bountiful waters of Green Bay. An unprecedented sequence of events saw the state's live-release muskie record not just broken, but shattered a remarkable three times within a single year. This extraordinary fishing season underscores the robust health of the muskie population in the region and the growing prowess of anglers targeting these magnificent freshwater predators.
A Season of Record-Breaking Catches
The 2025 muskie season commenced with a bang when veteran Wisconsin fishing guide Jeff Van Remortel reeled in a massive 56-inch muskie from Green Bay in June. This impressive catch not only secured a new state record in the live-release category, which was established in 2017, but also surpassed the previous 53-inch benchmark. Van Remortel, having observed even larger muskies in the area, presciently anticipated that his record might soon be eclipsed.
His prediction quickly materialized. Within a few months, the record was first surpassed by Greg Matzke, a fellow fisheries biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Matzke's 56.5-inch muskie, caught in Green Bay, narrowly edged out Van Remortel's catch. However, before Matzke's achievement could be officially recognized, Sam Becker, an angler from Illinois who frequently fishes in Green Bay, submitted an application for an even larger muskie. Becker's catch, a colossal 57-inch specimen, ultimately became the new benchmark for Wisconsin's live-release muskie record, setting an unparalleled standard for future anglers. This rapid succession of record-breaking events underscores the exceptional quality and size of muskie thriving in Green Bay, a testament to the effectiveness of conservation efforts and the abundant natural resources of the region.
The Abundance of Green Bay Muskies
According to Karl Scheidegger, a fisheries biologist overseeing the Wisconsin DNR's fishing records program, the extraordinary three-peat of muskie records in 2025 is a clear indicator of the superior quality and abundance of fish in Green Bay. He attributes this success to the thriving spotted muskie strain in the area, which has demonstrated excellent growth rates, leading to an increasing number of impressive catches. While the state's traditional weight record for muskies—a formidable 69-pound, 11-ounce fish caught in 1949—remains untouched, the consistent breaking of live-release length records highlights a significant trend in the sport.
Scheidegger notes the unique situation where Matzke's record was almost immediately superseded by Becker's, leading to a humorous "almost record fish" certificate for Matzke. This anecdote, along with Becker's request for minimal fanfare around his record, sheds light on the often secretive nature of muskie anglers. Despite their discretion, the remarkable catches of 2025 have brought unprecedented attention to Green Bay, revealing its status as a premier destination for muskie fishing. The consistent capture of larger fish not only excites the angling community but also provides valuable data for biologists, affirming the success of environmental stewardship and fish management strategies that ensure a healthy and vibrant muskie population in Green Bay.