Saugeye

Essential lures include 1/8 to 1/2 ounce jig heads tipped with 2-4 inch grubs or swimbaits in white, chartreuse, purple, orange, or pink. Effective patterns include 3-inch grubs in 'Monkey Milk' (white with black flakes) for shallow spring fishing, and swimbaits imitating shad.

The most productive saugeye fishing in Kansas occurs during spring and fall when water temperatures are in the 55-75°F range. Spring fishing is excellent from March through May, particularly around spawning areas like rip-rap along dams and bridges using jigs, though avoid targeting fish actively spawning in early...

Fish slowly along bottom - keep baits within 3 feet of bottom for best success. Use bottom-bouncing rigs like Lindy rigs. Bounce lipless crankbaits along bottom structure.

Saugeye are primarily piscivorous, with diets dominated by gizzard shad, inland silversides, and centrarchids like bluegill and crappie. Research shows they transition from inland silversides to shad as their main food when reaching 301-400mm length, with prey length averaging about 30% of predator length.

In Kansas waters, they inhabit both reservoirs and rivers. Major stockings occurring in April (fry) and May-June (fingerlings) across numerous waters.