Everyone has an opinion on what muskies eat. Kamden Glade has data.

In this episode of Spot Burn, we sit down with Minnesota DNR fisheries specialist Kamden Glade to unpack one of the most talked-about studies in predator management today: a multi-year deep dive into the actual diets of over 600 muskies across Minnesota.

What did they find? Fewer walleyes. Major surprises. And some serious myth-busting.

We dig into how the research was done (yes, it involves fish puke), what the data really says about predator interactions, and why the results are challenging long-held beliefs across the angling world. From big fish stories to stomach contents to public backlash, this conversation has it all.If you care about muskies, management, or the future of predator fishing — this one’s essential.

This episode is a reminder of the importance of solid data, respectful discourse, and the work being done behind the scenes to protect our fisheries for future generations.

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🎧 LISTEN + GET FIRED UP.

📌 CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Meet Kamden Glade & Early Angling Influences
05:00 - The Walleye-Muskie Controversy in MN
08:00 - Starting the Muskie Diet Study
13:00 - Study Design: What Are Muskies (and Others) Eating?
16:00 - Electric Fishing & Stomach Pumping Explained
20:00 - Challenges of Data Collection & Empty Stomachs
24:00 - Seasonal Diet Patterns: Surprising Trends
27:00 - Perch Dominate, But Muskies Eat It All
29:00 - Do Muskies Eat Walleye? (Spoiler: Barely)
32:00 - Predator-Prey Myths and Muskie Legends
35:00 - Wildest Stomach Finds: Chicken Bones & Lens Caps
41:00 - Do Muskies Prefer Anything?
44:00 - Pike & Bass: The Real Biomass Monsters
47:00 - Tagging and Recapture Data
52:00 - Cisco Lakes vs. Panfish Lakes
58:00 - What About Ciscos in Muskie Diets?
1:00:00 - Isotope Research for Open Water Patterns
1:02:00 - Wrapping It All Up

📚 LINKS & RESOURCES

📝 Kamden Glade’s Research

Diet Patterns of Muskellunge and Co-occuring Piscivores:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/nafm.10880?domain=author&token=H9TTC339MZUEX3MXIFIK

Muskie Diet Secrets Revealed! - Webinar:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mrFmD2Qkt4

Effects of Gastric Lavage on Muskellunge Survival:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389042102_Effects_of_Gastric_Lavage_on_Muskellunge_Survival

Explore More of Kamden's Research:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kamden-Glade

Follow Kamden's Research on Instagram:
@kamdenglade

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Your source for everything fly fishing for apex predators.https://muskyfool.com/

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Have fun out there on the water ya'll!

- Dan & Josh

MuskyFool.com
Instagram: @muskyfool
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Facebook: Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.

Welcome back to the Spot Burn Podcast, brought to you by Musky Fool! In Part 2 of this episode, hosts Dan and Josh continue their in‐depth discussion with fisheries ecologist Paul Cunningham as they explore how evolving management practices and new scientific insights are reshaping the way Wisconsin protects its native brook trout. This conversation delves into the challenges and innovative strategies behind habitat restoration, watershed partnerships, and long‑term conservation planning in the face of climate change.

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In This Episode:

Changing Approaches in Trout Habitat Management:
Old practices—like narrowing streams and trout stamp projects—favored brown trout. Now, efforts focus on maintaining natural stream structure with longer pools, gentler runs, and forested riparian zones.

The Impact of Habitat Modification:
Historical projects in the Driftless Area shifted competition against native brook trout, prompting a rethink to foster brook trout resilience.

The Brook Trout Reserve Program – Origins & Goals:
Paul outlines how USGS climate models and catch data filtered 1800 sub‑watersheds down to 54 priority reserves representing the most resilient brook trout habitats.

Data-Driven Selection & Future Projections:
Advanced modeling and field data identify the top 20% of brook trout habitats that can sustain populations despite climate challenges.

Adaptation Strategies & Collaborative Efforts:
Key tools include riparian reforestation, improved fish passage at road crossings, and best practices in agriculture and forestry—built on partnerships with conservation organizations and local agencies.

Institutional & Community Involvement:
Long‑term success depends on strong institutional frameworks and the active engagement of informed anglers as resource stewards.

Stream Bank Protection Program Revisited:
A look back at the late 1980s program that secured perpetual riparian easements, laying the groundwork for today’s conservation efforts.

Future Outlook & Measuring Success:
The episode concludes with goals for persistent, naturally reproducing brook trout, healthier watersheds, and the positive impact of collaborative conservation partnerships.

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Relevant Links:
Wisconsin DNR Fisheries:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/

Wisconsin Brook Trout Reserves:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/BrookTroutReserves

Brook Trout Reserves Story Map: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1d5dc22ef07e4da7bbd92718206faf23

Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts:
https://wicci.wisc.edu/

For more information on Brook Trout Reserves in Wisconsin, contact Paul Cunningham at Paul.Cunningham@wisconsin.gov or Bradd Sims at Bradd.Sims@wisconsin.gov or send a message to DNRFHBrookTroutReserves@wisconsin.gov

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Stay Connected:

👕 Need some fresh gear? We got you covered, check us out at
MuskyFool.com

🔔 Subscribe & Hit the Bell so you never miss an episode!

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

Follow us on Instagram @muskyfool and check out our YouTube channel.

And be sure to check out MuskyFool.com !

Have fun out there on the water ya'll!

- Dan & Josh

MuskyFool.com
Instagram: @muskyfool
YouTube: Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.
Facebook: Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.

Welcome to another episode of the Spot Burn Podcast, brought to you by Musky Fool! In this episode, hosts Dan and Josh sit down with fisheries ecologist Paul Cunningham from the Wisconsin DNR to discuss the Brook Trout Reserves Program and the future of Wisconsin’s native brook trout. Join us for an in-depth conversation on climate change, habitat conservation, and the challenges of managing one of the state’s most iconic cold-water species. Make sure to tune in for part 2!

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In This Episode:

Meet Paul Cunningham:
Learn about Paul’s journey from rural southern Wisconsin to becoming a key figure in fisheries management since 1992.

Brook Trout Reserves Program:
Discover how the program aims to protect native brook trout from the impacts of warming stream temperatures and climate change.

Climate Change & Habitat Loss:
Paul explains the science behind rising CO2 levels, stream temperature increases, and the projection that up to two-thirds of brook trout habitat may be lost by mid-century.

Fisheries Management & Master Planning:
Insight into how long-term master planning and public access initiatives are shaping the future of Wisconsin’s aquatic resources.

Genetics & Hatchery Influence:
A candid discussion on how hatchery introgression has affected the genetic diversity of brook trout and what it means for conservation.

Angler Perspectives:
Hear about the interplay between brown and brook trout, and how the shifting dynamics affect recreational fishing in Wisconsin.

Big Fish Talk:
The hosts and Paul touch on record-sized brook trout and the ongoing efforts to map and preserve quality trout streams.

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Relevant Links:
Wisconsin DNR Fisheries:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/

Wisconsin Brook Trout Reserves:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/BrookTroutReserves

Brook Trout Reserves Story Map: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1d5dc22ef07e4da7bbd92718206faf23

Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts:
https://wicci.wisc.edu/

For more information on Brook Trout Reserves in Wisconsin, contact Paul Cunningham at Paul.Cunningham@wisconsin.gov or Bradd Sims at Bradd.Sims@wisconsin.gov or send a message to DNRFHBrookTroutReserves@wisconsin.gov

--

Stay Connected:

👕 Need some fresh gear? We got you covered, check us out at
MuskyFool.com

🔔 Subscribe & Hit the Bell so you never miss an episode!

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

Follow us on Instagram @muskyfool and check out our YouTube channel.

And be sure to check out MuskyFool.com !

Have fun out there on the water ya'll!

- Dan & Josh

MuskyFool.com
Instagram: @muskyfool
YouTube: Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.
Facebook: Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.