Muskies are sight feeders, so on a calm day, a trolled bait may get the attention of hungry fish that might not normally be able to see the lures or bait you offer if the water wasn't as clear. "When the water is clearer, I honestly think that you can draw a strike faster," said Lucas.

But clear water can also be a hindrance, spooking fish with strong prop wash or heavy line and thick wire leaders.

When he trolls, there are several factors Lucas takes into consideration. First, he wants to spook the least number of fish as possible in the clear water. Therefore, he uses a zigzag pattern to avoid going over the heads of the fish.

Changing directions will also change the presentation of the lures. When you make a turn, the outside lures will speed up and force them to dive. Meanwhile, the inside lures will slow down and -- depending on the lures -- will start to rise up in the water column. These changes in presentation will often motivate a following muskie to strike.

The speed of the troll is also important. Lucas trolls at an average of 3 to 4 miles per hour. However, if the river is cold or if there's an extreme warm front, he'll often run his lures slower. That gives muskies, which may be lethargic, a chance to locate the bait.

The opposite occurs if there is a drop in barometric pressure or there is a slight increase in water temperature. These factors make muskies more active. Therefore, Lucas will speed up the troll.

Throughout his trolling, he uses a variety of speeds to alter the runs of the lures. Lucas said that a steady, monotonous troll speed isn't natural. For instance, he may speed up the lures for several seconds to get the plugs to accelerate and dive deeper.

He may also stop the boat completely in the middle of a troll, letting the lures float slowly to the surface. That often triggers a strike. He'll wait until the lures reach the surface and then hit the throttle again, sending the baits down deep, fast.

Those kinds of variations -- in speed and depth -- will often be just what you need to draw a strike.

THE NIGHT BITE
In the heat of summer, some avid muskie anglers will avoid the bright daytime sun, waiting for cooler temperatures and reduced boat traffic under the cover of darkness.

One benefit to night-fishing is that you needn't worry about a muskie seeing heavy line or wire leaders.

Also, at night your choice of lure isn't as important as it may be during the day. Lures that work well at night cause a lot of vibration and commotion in the water, which often attracts hungry muskies.

Although fishing at night can be productive, muskie anglers need to learn the water they'll be fishing. Study it during the day to learn where the transitional cover is, as well as where hazards like sandbars or rocks may be found. A GPS unit can aid you in planning your attack.

RELEASE YOUR CATCH!
Over the past two years, the St. Lawrence River's muskellunge population has taken several hits. In June 2005, dozens of female muskies died before spawning from bacterial infections. Their bodies piled up on shores from Waddington to the eastern basin of Lake Ontario.

Then in May 2006, a number of muskies were found dead, victims of viral hemorrhagic septicemia or VHS. This was the first time the virus had been found in Empire State waters.

On St. Lawrence River muskies, the minimum-length limit is 48 inches. However, New York Department of Environmental Conservation fisheries biologists say that catch-and-release -- especially after these most recent events -- will be extremely important in sustaining the muskie population in the St. Lawrence River.

For more information about muskie-fishing opportunities on the St. Lawrence, call the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce at 1-877-228-7810, or visit them at www.northcountryguide.com.