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Sauger

Sauger

Sauger are native to Arkansas and represent one of the most widely distributed percid species in North America. In Arkansas, sauger are classified as 'Apparently Secure' with moderate importance to the state's sportfishery.

Scientific Name: Sander canadensis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish are distinguished from walleye by distinct black spots on their spiny dorsal fin.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They primarily inhabit the Arkansas, Poteau, Illinois, Red, and Neosho watersheds, as well as several lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.
  • Sauger are primarily river and stream fish, preferring clear eastern rivers, though they're not abundant anywhere and seem rare in tailwaters below Lake Texoma.

Key Locations

  • Arkansas River system, particularly below dams on the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System.
  • Target areas below Murray Lock & Dam at Little Rock, David D.
  • Terry Lock & Dam near Scott, and Toad Suck Ferry Lock & Dam at Conway.
  • The tailwater areas immediately below Ozark-Jeta Taylor Lock and Dam and James W.
  • Trimble Lock and Dam provide exceptional sauger fishing opportunities.

Specific Spots

  • Target current near riprap, retrieving close to the bottom.
  • Focus on tailwater areas below dams.

Sauger FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

When is the best time to fish for Sauger in Arkansas?

Prime season for sauger fishing in Arkansas is from late fall until early spring, particularly in January when they congregate below dams on the Arkansas River system.

How do you catch Sauger in Arkansas?

Cast 1/8-ounce pink or chartreuse ball jigs tipped with live minnows into current near riprap, retrieving slowly close to the bottom while maintaining bottom contact.

What do Sauger eat?

Smaller sauger feed on benthic invertebrates, mayfly larvae, insects, nightcrawlers, crayfish, snails, leeches, and small catfish during spring and summer, while larger specimens feed mainly on fish.

Where do Sauger live in Arkansas?

They primarily inhabit the Arkansas, Poteau, Illinois, Red, and Neosho watersheds, as well as several lakes and reservoirs throughout the state. Sauger are primarily river and stream fish, preferring clear eastern rivers, though they're not abundant anywhere and seem rare in tailwaters below Lake Texoma.

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