[MathewsArcher]

Lymphosarcoma is a common disease involving the skin and dermis of northern pike. It occurs throughout North America and Europe and may reach prevalence rates of 10-20 percent (Sonstegard 1976). The disease in muskellunge has been observed from Lake Huron and the St. Lawrence River. The symptoms of the disease are similar in both the northern pike and muskellunge. Anatomically, the lesions can occur anywhere on the body. Grossly, the lesions vary in appearance depending upon their anatomic location. For example, skin lesions usually occur as reddish-purple "blisters" and ulceration is common (Figure 15), whereas fin lesions (the pelvic fin is commonly affected) appear as a greatly thickened irregular mass enveloping the fin. Jaw lesions produce reddening and thickening of the gingival tissue and lesions of the head may be a single nodule or appear as multiple coalescing groups. The occurrence of lymphosarcoma is cyclic and prevalence is highest in the spring and fall.
Confounding lesions

Most lesions characterized by open sores (ulcers) can be confuse with lymphosarcoma. Similar symptoms may result from wounds, parasites (including lamprey), and bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. The need to confirm field diagnosis with histological diagnosis cannot be over emphasized.

Tossing these fish in the bush would be an offence, I hope most would turn in anyone found doing so........