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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Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.
Your source for everything fly fishing for apex predators.https://muskyfool.com/

🔥 If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fish-obsessed friends. Let’s keep it burning!

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

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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

--

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.

Welcome back to The Spotburn Podcast, and this time, we’re turning up the heat! Episode 38 is The Mega Fly Roast, where we bring the spiciest critiques yet. You asked for it, and we delivered—no holding back this time.

To help us crank up the honesty, we’ve got our good buddy Gabe Parkin in the studio. He told us we were being too nice on previous fly roasts, so we made it our mission to go all-in. Flies will be roasted. Egos will be tested. And yes, we even made The Wall of Fame and Wall of Shame official.

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🔥 In this episode:

Why we decided to raise the stakes on the Fly Roast
Introducing the new Wall of Fame rules—unanimous votes only!
A lineup of five wild and unique fly submissions from listeners
From innovation to disaster—breaking down the craftsmanship, materials, and fishability of each pattern
100-inch muskies?? Debunking the wildest musky myth we've heard
Gabe’s quick tip that will change the way you trim your Buford heads forever
A surprise Quick Trip food hack you didn’t know you needed

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🔥 Did any flies make the Wall of Fame? Which ones crashed and burned? Watch to find out!

📩 Got a fly you want roasted? Get all the details and find out how at
https://muskyfool.com/pages/the-fly-roast

👕 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.

Josh and Dan are live from Kentucky for the second annual Kentucky River Muskie Classic! In this episode, they break down day one of the tournament, discuss the extreme flooding conditions affecting both the fishing and local communities in Kentucky, and dive into the broader conservation challenges facing fisheries. Plus, they roast a couple of listener-submitted flies in the 3rd fly roast and share some tournament strategies for high-water conditions.

Topics Covered:
🎣 Kentucky River Muskie Classic – Recap of day one, conditions, and top teams so far
🌊 Flooding in Kentucky – Impacts on fisheries and local communities
💰 Funding Cuts & Conservation – What’s happening at state and federal levels
🦌 Fly Roast #3 – Unique fly submissions, including one made with bison fur
💡 Quick Tip – Using land maps instead of fishing maps when waters are flooded

Articles discussed:
➡️ FEMA Article -
President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Kentucky
https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20250225/president-donald-j-trump-approves-major-disaster-declaration-kentucky

➡️ Fur Ban in Washington Article -
Fur Ban Bill Narrowly Passes Committee in Washington
https://congressionalsportsmen.org/news/fur-ban-bill-narrowly-passes-committee-in-washington/

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💡 Got a story, or topic you want us to cover? Drop it in the comments and as always check us out at MuskyFool.com

🔥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for to support and help the Spot Burn podcast grow!

#SpotBurnPodcast #flyfishing #muskyfishing #troutfishing #fishinggear #fishingtips #conservation

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.

Dan & Josh are back for episode 36 of the Spot Burn Podcast, and this one’s packed with action! We’re joined by none other than Nick "Hoss" Gelerstedt, musky guide and all-around hammer, for an epic conversation.

🔥 In This Episode:
🎣 Livescope Fodder – More hot takes on the hottest tech in fishing
🚔 CT Fly Shop Break-In – A police officer? Really?
📍 KY Predictions – What’s coming this season?
🔥 Our 2nd Roast – Who’s in the hot seat this time?
https://muskyfool.com/pages/the-fly-roast?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=product_shelf
🎙 The Main Event – A deep dive into musky fishing with Nick Gelerstedt

Don’t miss this one—hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment!

As always check us out at:
MuskyFool.com

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.

Dan & Josh are back with Episode 35 of The Spot Burn Podcast, featuring the first-ever Fly Roast, where they critique, analyze, and celebrate some wild fly submissions. They also dive into winter trout tactics, early season strategies, and share some big 2025 Spot Burn Podcast and Musky Fool plans.

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Topics Covered in This Episode:

🔥 The Fly Roast Debut! What makes a great fly? What makes a terrible one? And why are we doing this? Submit your own flies for a future episode!
➡️ https://muskyfool.com/pages/the-fly-roast

🎣 Winter Trout Fishing Tactics – What’s working right now in early season trout fishing? Check out our recent blog post for Catching More Trout in the Driftless This Winter:
➡️ https://muskyfool.com/blogs/news/catch-more-trout-this-winter-in-the-driftless

📱 OnX Fish App & Spot Burning Debate – Is the new fishing app a game-changer or a major problem for secret spots?

🔬 Underwater Trail Cams – The latest AI-powered fishing tech that might change how we scout for fish.

🏞 DNR Budget Updates & Conservation News – What’s happening with Wisconsin’s fisheries and how you can take action.

🎟 The Big Thaw – Spring Kickoff Event – Huge fly fishing event coming this March! Get all the details.
➡️ https://muskyfool.com/pages/the-big-thaw

🏆 Muskie School & Fly Fishing Film Tour – More great events happening this spring. Details here:
➡️ https://www.capitalcitymuskiesinc.org/muskie-school/

🛶 2025 Musky Trips & Tournaments – The team is gearing up for the Kentucky River Musky Classic and new fishing destinations.

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💡 Got a story, or topic you want us to cover? Drop it in the comments and as always check us out at MuskyFool.com

🔥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for to support and help the Spot Burn podcast grow!


#SpotBurnPodcast #flyfishing #muskyfishing #troutfishing #fishinggear #fishingtips #conservation

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 the Fly Roast! The Fly Roast is a new one-of-a-kind segment featured on the Spot Burn Podcast, brought to you by Musky Fool. As the name suggests, The Fly Roast is where we will roast YOUR flies live on each episode of the podcast. This is a chance for your flies to be featured, and most importantly, for us to celebrate the creativity that is fly tying! This is meant to be a light-hearted and fun segment. At the end of the day, Dan and Josh are both true Midwesterners. Some flies might get roasted and some might make it through the gauntlet and become a new featured pattern at Musky Fool. Are you up for the challenge?

Check out the link below to learn more & how you can get your fly featured on the next Fly Roast!
https://muskyfool.com/pages/the-fly-roast

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.