Illinois will mark the 50th anniversary of stocking muskies in Illinois in two years, but it appears the 40-pound benchmark will continue to define greatness in Illinois muskies.
The first muskie to be verified topping 40 pounds was netted in April, 2002, during a survey at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area near Kewanee. The 49.5 inch muskie weighed 42.9 pounds.