Sauger

Photo by: Matthew R. Thomas

Identification: A slender, streamlined perch similar to the Walleye, but reaches a smaller adult size. It is distinguished from the Walleye by having at least 3 rows of rounded black spots in the 1st dorsal fin (vs. streaks or wavy lines), 3-4 dark brown saddles on the back with 2 large dark brown blotches on the side (vs. several smaller blotches on the back and side), and no white tips on the fins (vs. white tips on the anal fin and lower lobe of the caudal fin). Adults can grow to 30 in. (8-9 lbs.), but are usually less than 20 in. (2-3 lbs.).

Distribution and Habitat: Occurs in most of the large rivers statewide, including the main channels of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, their major tributaries, as well as Kentucky, Barkley, and Cumberland lakes. Sauger and Walleye occupy similar habitats, but Sauger tend to be more tolerant of turbid (muddy) water conditions. Sauger are often taken by anglers during early spring spawning runs when they congregate near swift shoals, near the mouths of streams, or in tailwaters of dams.

Sauger

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