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Sauger

Sauger

Sauger are a native Wisconsin species closely related to walleye but distinct in appearance and behavior.

They are primarily river fish that prefer deeper, more turbid water than walleye, with highly developed scotopic vision that allows them to thrive in low-light and murky conditions.

Wisconsin's sauger populations are sustained primarily through natural reproduction in major river systems, with the species serving as an important component of the state's coolwater fishery.

Scientific Name: Sander canadensis

Physical Characteristics:
  • They have dark-yellow to brown bodies with large, dark saddle-shaped blotches on their sides, black spots on their first dorsal fin, and lack the white-tipped tail found on walleye.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Sauger are primarily river fish found in major river systems and some deeper lakes in Wisconsin.

Key Locations

  • Target them in major rivers like the Wisconsin River (especially the Prairie du Sac Dam tailwater section), Mississippi River system, and their tributaries.
  • In Wisconsin, they're found in major river systems including the Mississippi River, Wisconsin River, and their tributaries, as well as some deeper lakes.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on deep holes, current breaks, rocky substrates, and areas 15-35 feet deep.
  • They typically hold near bottom structure, preferring areas with current breaks, deep holes, and rocky or sandy substrates.
  • Focus on areas where current and structure create ambush points.

Sauger FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Tip jigs with minnows, especially in murky water conditions sauger prefer. Popular lure choices include 1/16-1/8 ounce jig heads with small plastics like 3-inch soft baits, spoons, small crankbaits, and bucktails in bright colors (yellow, chartreuse, orange) for stained water or natural colors for clearer conditions.

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

The Wisconsin sauger season runs from the first Saturday in May through the first Sunday in March. Prime sauger fishing occurs during spring (April-June) and fall (September-November), with excellent action often continuing through winter months.

How do you catch Sauger in Wisconsin?

Vertical jigging with heavy hair jigs (3/4-2 ounces) is the most effective technique - fish these straight up and down, not at an angle. In the Prairie du Sac tailwater, successful anglers use light jigs with subtle twitching motions, holding baits 2-4 inches off bottom.

What do Sauger eat?

Sauger are primarily piscivorous, feeding on gizzard shad, emerald shiners, freshwater drum, channel catfish, and various small fish species. Their diet also includes mayfly larvae, especially during summer months, and other benthic invertebrates when young.

Where do Sauger live in Wisconsin?

Sauger are primarily river fish found in major river systems and some deeper lakes in Wisconsin.

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