Sauger
A close, smaller relative of walleye, native to Montana's large rivers and stocked to supplement river populations.
- Scientific name
- Sander canadensis
- Family
- Percidae
- Adult size
- Typically 12–18 inches.
Identification
Similar to walleye but with distinct rows of black spots on the spiny dorsal fin and a more mottled, brassy body — walleye lack the spotted dorsal fin.
Habitat
Large, turbid rivers, more tolerant of murky water and current than walleye.
Diet
Primarily smaller fish.
Angling
Fished similarly to walleye — jigs and bottom-bouncing rigs worked near the river bottom.
Recommended Tackle & Gear for Sauger
Field-tested tackle, baits, and rigging strategies suited for catching Sauger.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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Where Sauger is stocked
When Sauger is stocked
Top Sauger waters
Missouri River
19 species · 1417 records
Last stocked October 2010
Bighorn Lake
9 species · 243 records
Last stocked June 2025
Tongue River Reservoir
10 species · 205 records
Last stocked October 2025
Fort Peck Dredge Cuts
9 species · 77 records
Last stocked May 2013
Allegheny River
Cattaraugus County · 3 species · 40 records
Last stocked October 2025
Olean Creek
Cattaraugus County · 3 species · 26 records
Last stocked October 2025
Allegheny Reservoir
Chautauqua County · 2 species · 13 records
Last stocked May 2021
Cochrane Reservoir
2 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2005
Jakes Reservoir
2 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 2005
Oil Creek
Cattaraugus County · 1 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 2023
Ryan Reservoir
1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 2005
Frequently asked
Where is Sauger stocked?
Sauger is stocked in 11 waters across 2 states: Montana, New York.
When is Sauger stocked?
Sauger is typically stocked in summer, most often in June, based on records across every state that stocks it.
How many Sauger are stocked?
About 20,069,230,787,910 Sauger have been stocked on record since 1985, across Montana, New York.
What size Sauger are stocked?
Stocked Sauger average about 1.5 inches, based on sizes reported by Montana, New York.
What does a Sauger look like?
Similar to walleye but with distinct rows of black spots on the spiny dorsal fin and a more mottled, brassy body — walleye lack the spotted dorsal fin.