Family: Percidae
Common Family: The Perch Family
Common Name: Sauger
Scientific Name: Stizostedion canadense
Ecological Description/Identification
In West Virginia, sauger are native to the Ohio River drainage. Sauger generally prefer larger systems with deep, slower-moving water. Adult sauger feed primarily on other fishes; gizzard shad, emerald shiners and other minnows make up much of their diet. During the early months of the year, sauger typically congregate in the tailwaters of dams on navigable rivers to prepare for their reproductive season. Sauger typically have bronze-to-brown backs with a white belly. Their sides have dark, oblong blotches. Their dorsal fins have dark spots that form rows. They are similar in appearance to walleye and the hybridized saugeye. Walleye tend to be larger and lighter in color and have a large, dark spot at the base of their last three dorsal spines; the bottom of the caudal fin has a prominent, white margin. WVDNR biologists are always available to assist with fish identification.
Habitat
As previously mentioned, sauger generally prefer larger systems with deep, sluggish water. Sauger are generally more tolerant than walleye to siltation and are generally more successful in systems that experience higher turbidity. In late winter, sauger make large migrations to spawning areas. Sauger are broadcast spawners, which release their eggs while swimming through the water column near the bottom. They prefer areas with sand and gravel substrate.
Conservation Issues
Sauger are not currently a species of conservation concern. They do directly compete with walleye and can hybridize saugeye. Competition, coupled with increased angler pressure during reproduction, can adversely affect sauger populations.
Facts
The percidae family, which has over 200 species, includes sauger, darters, walleye and yellow perch. Percids usually have two dorsal fins, and a long, slender body. Sauger are visual feeders that primarily forage on other fishes. They see well in low-light conditions, and they are most active at dawn and dusk. Silver spoons, light-colored jigs and other lures resembling forage fish are also effective. Anglers often experience the most success in the early months of the year and during late fall.
WVDNR currently recognizes both a length and weight state record for sauger. The current weight record is 5.06 pounds, and it was caught in 2012 by David Vance. The currently length record is 23.0 inches, which was caught in 1985 by Steve Powell. Both fish were caught on the Ohio River.
Similar Species
Sauger are similar in appearance to walleye and the hybridized saugeye, which resemble sauger in coloration but are generally larger. Unlike the distinct spots in a sauger’s dorsal fin, saugeye have smeared and oblong blotches in their dorsal fin. Like walleye, saugeye often have a white margin on their caudal fin.