sauger

Sauger
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Percidae
Genus:	Sander
Species:	S. canadensis
Binomial name
Sander canadensis (Griffith & Smith, 1834)

The sauger (Sander canadensis) is a freshwater perciform fish of the family Percidae which resembles its close relative the walleye. Saugers, however, are usually smaller and will better tolerate waters of higher turbidity than will the walleye. In many parts of their range, saugers are sympatric with walleyes. They may be distinguished from walleyes by the distinctly spotted dorsal fin, by the lack of a white splotch on the caudal fin, by the rough skin over their gill, and by their generally more brassy color, or darker (almost black) color in some regions. The average sauger in an angler's creel is 300 to 400 g (0.75 to 1 lbs) in weight but the world record was 8.1 kg (17 lbs, 12 ounces.) Saugers are more typical of rivers whereas walleyes are more common in lakes and reservoirs. The sauger is highly prized as a food fish.

Hybridization between saugers and walleyes is not unknown; the hybrids, referred to as saugeyes, exhibit traits of both species. Being intermediate in appearance between the two species, saugeyes are sometimes difficult to differentiate, but they generally carry the dark blotches characteristic of the sauger.

References

• Sander canadensis (TSN 650171). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 19 March 2006.

Sauger Fishing Tips: Using an ultra light reel and rod will add to the fun of Sauger fishing. Small size Sauger will strike the same as small pan fish. Larger Sauger will strike the same as a big Catfish or Walleye. Bottom fishing or bobber fishing both work well. Using a small jig with a worm can result with hours of fun on any Sauger fishing trip. Better fishing success will be close to water falls or white water. Time of day doesn’t seem to bother this type of fish, from spring to a hot summer days this fish seems ready for a fight from any age angler.Check your fishing guide for size and creel limits in some states it may be the same as Walleye.

External links

• Fishbase information on Sauger
• Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks [1]
• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks[2]
• Lake-Link.com [3]
• Sauger Fishing in the Tennessee Valley[4]