Sauger

Sander canadensis

The river-dwelling cousin of the walleye, sauger are prized by anglers who fish the major river systems of the Midwest and South, including the Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee river drainages. They tolerate turbid water better than walleye and often stack up below dams in huge numbers during fall and winter migrations. Their meat is considered by many to be even sweeter than walleye.

Seasonal Activity

Best Techniques

• vertical jigging
• dragging jigs in current
• trolling crankbaits
• blade baits

Top Baits

• jig-and-minnow
• blade baits
• small crankbaits
• live minnows
• nightcrawlers