EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Much of the attention toward muskies occurs in the western part of the state. Indeed, there are excellent opportunities in this traditional part of the muskie range, where the fish is native. But good fishing can be found in the eastern part of the state. The Susquehanna River is a good muskie water. In recent years, both the North and West branches of the Susquehanna have furnished excellent muskie fishing, with both waterways on the rebound from water-quality problems.

Smaller reservoirs, such as Francis Slocum Lake in Luzerne County, harbor good purebred muskie populations. Belmont Lake in Wayne County is a gem worth checking out. Tuscarora Lake in Schuylkill County is another good eastern Pennsylvania muskie option.

CREEK MUSKIES
The many small rivers and larger creeks that contain muskies are perhaps the state's most under-utilized muskie resource. In many instances, these fisheries are pretty much unknown, even by the locals.

These fisheries can harbor good-sized fish, and in some cases, surprisingly good numbers of them. Chances are that a good muskie stream flows near you.

Here are the common denominators:

The main consideration is a physical connection to a larger waterway that holds muskies. It can be from either upriver or downriver, but upriver is better in most cases. What happens is that muskies escape from a lake by going either over or through a dam. This occurs with surprising frequency, especially during high-water events. Fish may also move upriver from a reservoir, particularly if it's fed by a fair-sized stream.

Creeks and rivers that feed the major rivers are also worth investigating. These transplants take up residence in smaller, flowing waters, often in streams that see little fishing pressure, especially in areas away from easy-access sites or bridges and roadside pull-offs. If it takes a bit of an effort to reach a spot, chances are that few people will fish it.

Many of the state's better reservoirs have shad or alewife populations, fish that find their way into the downstream outlet waters. Go to the tailrace area of a major dam, particularly during the late fall and winter, and you'll be amazed at the volume of small fish that pass through the dam.

The better muskie creeks feature a lot of slow, deep holes with logs and brush. Muskies pick the best available habitat, so when looking for good muskie spots, look for the biggest, deepest holes with plenty of rocks, wood, and brush.

CREEK CRUISERS
One the most effective ways of exploring a new muskie creek is with a kayak or small boat. A kayak is easier to pull through the woods, and for paddling back upstream if you didn't park a vehicle at a downstream take-out point. Many kayak companies are now producing boats with the angler in mind -- stable models that feature open cockpits and rod holders.

A small pontoon boat is a more stable craft to fish from and more comfortable, plus you can fit more gear in it. It's not as easy to take to a spot that lies a bit off the road, however, and you can't row a pontoon craft back upstream as efficiently as a kayak or canoe.

It doesn't take a large selection of baits to explore a muskie creek. Take along a couple of large minnow-imitating baits designed for deep water. Spinnerbaits are excellent for working woody, weedy areas.

No matter where you fish for muskies in Pennsylvania this summer, remember that water temperatures are near or at their peak, and hooked fish will be quickly stressed. Land fish quickly to reduce fatigue and keep photo sessions to a minimum (during which time the fish are out of the water) to ensure their survival after you release them.