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Saugeye

Saugeye

Saugeye are hybrid fish created by crossing female walleye with male sauger.

In West Virginia, they were first introduced in the early 1990s through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources stocking program in select reservoirs where walleyes hadn't achieved adequate reproduction.

Scientific Name: Sander canadensis x vitreus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Key distinguishing features include tannish yellow to gold-colored sides with distinct dark sauger-like blotches or saddles, a dark blotch on the rear base of the front dorsal fin, white tips on the caudal fin, and most importantly, distinct streaks between dorsal fin spines with one to two rows of spots along the base.
  • Like walleye and sauger, they have marble-like eyes with a reflective layer that allows excellent low-light vision.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Select reservoirs where walleyes hadn't achieved adequate reproduction.

Key Locations

  • In West Virginia, established populations exist in Stonewall Jackson Lake, Burnsville Lake, East Lynn Lake, and Beech Fork Lake.
  • On Stonewall Jackson Lake, focus on roadbeds near the state park and the sandy point at the state park boundary.
  • At Burnsville Lake, fish the submerged bridge piers and roadway near Knawls Creek mouth, plus the excellent tailwater fishery during early spring high water.
  • East Lynn Lake's Brushy Creek and Lick Creek areas are hotspots, while Beech Fork's Millers Fork area and timber concentrations hold fish during daylight hours.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer deeper waters during the day and move to shallow areas to feed in the evening, typically around rocky structure, submerged roadbeds, sandy points, and standing timber.
  • Target submerged roadbeds, sandy points, rocky shoreline riprap, standing timber, and channel drop-offs.

Saugeye FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Saugeye in West Virginia?

Effective lures include 1/8-ounce jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers (chartreuse and bright pink jig heads work well), 3.5-inch swimbaits in gray/white or silver/white, small crankbaits, jerkbaits, and blade baits for vertical jigging over deep structure.

What flies work for Saugeye in West Virginia?

Casting tan/white, gray/white, or all-white streamers like Clousers and half-and-halfs in deep holes.

When is the best time to fish for Saugeye in West Virginia?

Prime season is March through May, with late winter and early spring being particularly productive when fish stage near rocky spawning areas. Spawning occurs in early spring when water temperatures reach 40-50°F (avoid fishing during this period).

How do you catch Saugeye in West Virginia?

Live bait presentations using minnows, shiners, or nightcrawlers under floats or with Carolina fish-finder rigs are highly effective. During summer months, use electronics to locate fish near bait schools and vertically jig above the thermocline.

What do Saugeye eat?

Saugeye are highly piscivorous, feeding primarily on gizzard shad, inland silversides, and various centrarchids including bluegill, crappie, and sunfish.

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