A muskys colorations

[Water Wolf]

I have heard that there are 3 color phases of musky:
1. light background dark spots.
2. light background dark stripes
3. all light background

Which fish coloration do you encounter the most when musky fishing, and which one is the rarest catch? 

WW

[pikemaster789]

I have heard that there are 3 color phases of musky:
1. light background dark spots.
2. light background dark stripes
3. all light background

Which fish coloration do you encounter the most when musky fishing, and which one is the rarest catch? 

WW

I have a musky book that shows the variations in colors and patterns on muskies. I dont have time to copy it but I think there is roughly 6 phases. (the other three phases you didnt name might be a mix of the ones listed)

Being near one of the greatest musky fisheries in the world, i have seen all three that you mentioned.

here is my latest one from this past fall
the dotted pattern

[flockshot]

very light stripping with a light backround seems to be the fish color most encountered by me...on less mature fish , very prominent stripes.

[pike hound]

I've heard of barred, spotted, and solid.  I think it's genetic just like hair color is with us.  As far as the rarest it would definately be a tiger muskie (a cross between a pike and muskie).

[jacksmelt]

we have a emerald green back ground w/ darker defined vertical striping on muskie here in n. maine. very pretty when first caught. ive never seen them this dark from pictures ive seen from muskie in other areas. if i knew how to post a pic i would. i think the dots are neat! do they lose them as they mature?

[jyoung]

My son's first musky, note heavily barred


Another fish heavily barred


Here is a fished that is both barred and spotted


Another fish lightly barred