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Sauger

Sauger

Sauger in South Dakota are native percid species that inhabit large streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs throughout the state, particularly thriving in deep or turbid water conditions.

They are well-distributed across South Dakota's Missouri River system and are more tolerant of murky conditions than walleye.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Sauger have a slender, torpedo-shaped body featuring sharp teeth and distinctive saddlelike markings on their sides with rows of dark spots on the first dorsal fin.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit large streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs throughout the state, particularly thriving in deep or turbid water conditions.
  • Sauger are well-distributed across South Dakota's Missouri River system.

Key Locations

  • Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, Lewis and Clark Lake, Missouri River reservoirs, and various glacial lakes.
  • Lake Francis Case, Lake Oahe, and Lake Sharpe offer excellent sauger fishing.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with current breaks, rocky structure, drop-offs, ledges, and dam tailwaters.
  • On the Missouri River reservoirs, focus on depths of 15-30 feet during winter, moving shallower in spring and fall.
  • They tend to stay near the bottom and seek cover in deep holes, around structure, and in areas with current breaks.
  • Look for areas where threadfin shad concentrate.
  • During spawning season, they prefer rocky substrates and pools for e.g.g deposition.

Sauger FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Sauger in South Dakota?

Hair jigs in white, chartreuse, blue, or purple work well. Tiny fluke-style soft plastics (3-inch) in baitfish colors like white with chartreuse tails are extremely effective. Live bait options include minnows, nightcrawlers, leeches, and crayfish.

When is the best time to fish for Sauger in South Dakota?

Target during fall and winter months when they're most actively feeding, particularly October through February. Early spring can also be productive once spawning concludes. Avoid fishing during spawning season (March through May).

How do you catch Sauger in South Dakota?

Vertical jigging is the most effective technique - use 1/8 to 1/2 ounce jig heads tipped with minnows, maintaining contact with the bottom as sauger rarely feed more than 3 feet off bottom. For cold water, use lighter jigs (1/16 ounce) and fish slowly with subtle twitching motions.

What do Sauger eat?

Sauger are primarily piscivorous, feeding on fishes, insects and crustaceans. In the Missouri River system, they consume channel catfish, freshwater drum, gizzard shad, mayfly larvae, shiners, and other forage fish.

Where do Sauger live in South Dakota?

They inhabit large streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs throughout the state, particularly thriving in deep or turbid water conditions. Sauger are well-distributed across South Dakota's Missouri River system.

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