Increases in plasma lactate and glucose concentrations, along with decreases in plasma chloride and liver glycogen concentrations, were observed in muskellunge in response to capture and handling. Holding muskellunge in 0.3% NaCl alleviated some of the physiological symptoms of stress, but holding the fish in the lake for 48 hr before release had no effect. Physiological responses to fin-clipping and transport by truck were slight in comparison to that of original capture. Salt treatment and reduction in duration and frequency of handling is recommended.