Sauger: Facts, Records, and How to Catch Them | FishyAF
What is a Sauger?
The Sauger is like the Walleye’s tougher, meaner river cousin — same family, different grind. These fish thrive in current, love stained water, and crush jigs with no warning. Known for their dark blotches and spiny dorsal fin, Sauger are built to survive where other fish tap out.
The first FishyAF Sauger was landed by Prestaen Medlin — a classic cold-water grind on moving water, proving again that big rewards come to those who freeze their fingers off first.
This FishyAF guide breaks down how to find and fool Sauger in any system — what they eat, how they move, and how to stay FishyAF doing it. Click here to see what river warriors are wearing.
🐟 Sauger Quick Facts
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sander canadensis |
| Average Size | 14–20 inches, 1–3 lbs typical |
| World Record | 8 lbs 12 oz — North Dakota (1971, IGFA) |
| Habitat | Large rivers and reservoirs; moderate to strong current zones |
| Edible? | Yes — excellent, flaky white meat (similar to Walleye) |
❓ FAQs About Sauger
Where can you catch Sauger?
Major river systems in the Midwest and South — Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee Rivers are Sauger central. Look below dams, wing dikes, and channel edges with 10–25 ft depth and steady current.
How big do Sauger get?
Most run 1–3 lbs, with trophies topping 6+. They’re smaller than Walleye, but pound-for-pound they fight like maniacs.
What is the world record Sauger?
The IGFA all-tackle record stands at 8 lbs 12 oz from North Dakota (1971). Still the gold standard more than 50 years later.
What is the size limit for Sauger?
⚠️ Varies widely — often regulated alongside Walleye with slot limits and seasonal closures. Always check your local DNR before targeting or keeping them.
Are Sauger good to eat?
Yes — mild, flaky, white fillets. Most anglers say Sauger are slightly sweeter than Walleye when fresh from cold water.
How do you catch Sauger?
Vertical jigging is king. Use ¼–½ oz jigs tipped with minnows or plastics. Troll crankbaits or three-way rigs along channel edges during cold months when fish stack deep.
What’s the best bait for Sauger?
Live minnows, soft plastics (paddle tails, ringworms), and jigging spoons. Match the current speed — slower in winter, more aggressive in spring runs.
😂 FishyAF Sauger Joke
Sauger — proof that good things come to those who jig.
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🧢 Gear Up with FishyAF
Cold, current, and chaos — that’s Sauger country. Stay ready in our Switchback Hats and Offshore Hoodies. Don’t just catch fish — look FishyAF doing it.