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Sauger

Sauger

Sauger are native members of the perch family found throughout Illinois waters, with the largest populations occurring in the Mississippi River and other major rivers in northern and central Illinois.

These fish are more tolerant of muddy or murky conditions than walleye, preferring large rivers with turbid water.

Scientific Name: Sander canadensis

Physical Characteristics:
  • In Illinois, sauger typically reach 15 inches and weigh 2.5 pounds, with some reaching up to 30 inches.
  • They're distinguished by dark half-moon spots on their dorsal fin, brown backs and sides with dark brown bars, and scales on their cheeks.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Illinois waters, with the largest populations occurring in the Mississippi River and other major rivers in northern and central Illinois.

Key Locations

  • Mississippi River, Illinois River, Des Plaines River.
  • In the Illinois River, concentrate efforts between the Mississippi River confluence and Starved Rock Dam.

Specific Spots

  • Target transition areas with rapid depth changes, deep holes, depressions, and current breaks caused by structure.
  • Work areas near ledges, drop-offs, rock pilings, wing dams, and current breaks.
  • Fish move to shallow shoreline areas and bars at night while retreating to deeper water during daylight hours.

Sauger FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Sauger in Illinois?

Heavy hair jigs (¾ to 2 ounces) tipped with minnows, bottom bouncers and in-line spinners tipped with minnows, jigs, spoons, plugs, spinnerbaits, and minnow-style crankbaits in bright colors. Live bait options include minnows, nightcrawlers, leeches, and crayfish.

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

The prime sauger fishing season in Illinois runs from February through May, with peak action typically occurring in March and April on the Illinois River. Winter fishing from January through March can be exceptional on the Mississippi River, where fish stack up below dams after upstream migrations.

How do you catch Sauger in Illinois?

Vertical jigging with heavy hair jigs working areas near ledges, drop-offs, rock pilings, wing dams, and current breaks. Trolling with bottom bouncers and in-line spinners, maintaining a 45-degree line angle at 1.4-1.6 mph to bounce occasionally off bottom.

What do Sauger eat?

Sauger are primarily piscivorous, feeding on minnows and small fish, but also consume crayfish, frogs, snails, and large aquatic insects.

Where do Sauger live in Illinois?

Found throughout Illinois waters, with the largest populations occurring in the Mississippi River and other major rivers in northern and central Illinois.

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