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Sauger

Sauger

Sauger are native Montana fish closely resembling walleye, distinguished by their spotted dorsal fin, scales on their cheeks, and absence of a white-tipped tail. These highly migratory fish can travel up to 600 kilometers between spawning and rearing habitats.

They're piscivorous predators with advanced light-gathering retinas, thriving in low-light environments.

Scientific Name: Sander canadensis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Bronze to olive-colored fish with dark blotches, spotted dorsal fin, scales on their cheeks, and absence of a white-tipped tail.
  • Typically measure 12-15 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, though exceptional specimens can reach over 20 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Current distribution confined mainly to mainstem rivers.
  • They're primarily found in the Missouri River and its major tributaries downstream of Great Falls, and the Yellowstone River downstream of Rosebud Creek.

Key Locations

  • Missouri River and its major tributaries downstream of Great Falls, Yellowstone River downstream of Rosebud Creek, small portions of the Marias, Musselshell, and Milk rivers, Fort Peck Reservoir, Lower Yellowstone River drainage including areas around Miles City and downstream sections, and the Missouri River system.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas like seams below gravel bars, around rocks, and in deeper main channel habitats.
  • Look for current breaks and structure.
  • Since Sauger are bottom-dwelling fish, focus on deeper areas.
  • During spring and early summer high flows, they use off-channel habitats and channel margins, moving to deeper main channel areas in late summer and autumn.

Sauger FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Heavy hair jigs (¾ to 2 ounces) tipped with minnows, brightly colored jigs, spoons, bucktails, and spinnerbaits. Live baits like minnows, nightcrawlers, crayfish, leeches, and small panfish work well.

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

Late summer through autumn provides excellent fishing. Spawning occurs from mid-April to May at 50°F water temperatures - avoid fishing during this critical reproductive period.

How do you catch Sauger in Montana?

Vertical jigging is the most effective technique. Try the proven Lindy rig setup trolled at 1.5 mph with shiners at a 45-degree line angle, bouncing occasionally off bottom. For fly fishing (though challenging due to their bottom-dwelling nature), use weighted streamers and nymphs in deeper pools.

What do Sauger eat?

Adults feed primarily on fish. Young consume zooplankton and benthic invertebrates before shifting to a fish diet by autumn of their first year.

Where do Sauger live in Montana?

Current distribution confined mainly to mainstem rivers. They're primarily found in the Missouri River and its major tributaries downstream of Great Falls, and the Yellowstone River downstream of Rosebud Creek.

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