Imagine battling a prehistoric-looking fish through a hole in the ice, only to realize it’s a monster muskie—the king of New York’s freshwater sport fish. That’s exactly what happened to Chris Monroe, an angler from Upstate NY, during a recent ice fishing trip on the St. Lawrence River near Massena. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it luck, skill, or something else entirely that led to this jaw-dropping catch? Let’s dive into the story.
Published on January 16, 2026, by CNY Outdoors (https://www.syracuse.com/outdoors/), this tale of perseverance and surprise was brought to life by outdoors reporter Steve Featherstone (sfeatherstone@syracuse.com). Featherstone, a seasoned journalist with two decades of freelance experience, has a knack for capturing the essence of outdoor adventures, from hunting and fishing to hiking and ecology.
Monroe’s journey began at his local bait shop in Massena, where he picked up a batch of shiner minnows labeled as ‘large pike bait.’ Little did he know, these minnows would lure in something far more impressive. Accompanied by his five-year-old son, Dalton, and his buddy Ryan Roy, Monroe headed to Hawkins Point on the St. Lawrence River. Ice fishing is a favorite pastime for Dalton, who gets a thrill every time a flag pops up on a tip-up, signaling a bite. ‘He’d run all day just to see that flag go off,’ Monroe joked, highlighting the boy’s infectious enthusiasm.
After drilling holes through seven inches of ice and setting up tip-ups rigged with 30-pound test line and steel leaders, the trio waited. When one flag finally popped, they rushed over, only to find the line completely spooled out. ‘I grabbed the line, and it was game on,’ Monroe recalled. The fight lasted a grueling 20 minutes, with Monroe initially mistaking the fish for a sturgeon or a massive pike. ‘But I never felt a pike like that,’ he admitted.
When the fish finally surfaced, Monroe was stunned. It wasn’t a pike—it was a muskie, a species renowned for its size and strength. ‘This is the biggest fish I’ve ever pulled through a hole,’ he said. What’s even more remarkable? When Monroe pried open the muskie’s jaws, the treble hook simply rolled out, leaving no trace of the minnow. After Roy snapped a few quick photos, Monroe and Dalton carefully released the fish back into the icy waters, unharmed. ‘Who knows, maybe he’ll be a state record someday,’ Monroe mused. ‘But for now, I’m just grateful for this unforgettable moment with my son and my friend.’
And this is the part most people miss: Catch-and-release practices like Monroe’s are crucial for preserving species like the muskie, which play a vital role in New York’s freshwater ecosystems. But does releasing such a trophy fish feel like a missed opportunity, or is it the ultimate act of conservation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, this story raises questions about the balance between sport and stewardship. What would you have done in Monroe’s shoes?
