How to Fish for Sauger

Sauger is a brownish, cigar-shaped fish that has a mouthful of small, sharp teeth. They are related to walleye and perch, and look very similar to walleye. Sauger can be found all over North America, and this freshwater fish is most likely found in deep rivers and deep pools of water. Different fishing techniques can be used to catch this species, which anglers say tastes delicious.

Things You'll Need

  • Rod and reel
  • Jigs, crankbaits and other tackle
  • Minnows
  • Boat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure you have the right equipment to fish for sauger. Because sauger are commonly found in deep pools, you need a boat. Jigs, crank baits, minnows and weights are important tackle to have. Line of 10 to 14 Ibs. test is ideal because sauger don't grow big. Many anglers choose a medium to medium-heavy 6- or 6½-foot, one-piece rod and reel combination, but the rod you use will be a matter of personal preference.

    • 2

      Visit areas where sauger are often located. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recommends places with a strong current and areas that break current flows, like wing walls, rock piles, submerged islands and dropoffs. Places where a creek or tributary enters a river and warm-water discharges are also popular sauger fishing locations. Keep checking different areas and do not be afraid to ask local anglers where the best sauger fishing locations are in a body of water.

    • 3

      Use a heavy jig and minnow combination to catch sauger in deeper water. The colder it gets, the deeper the water will be in which sauger are found. Use a jig and minnow combination to catch sauger in deep water. Use a heavy jig, around 1 pound in weight, baited with a minnow to reach bottom depths. Extra weights can be added if you are not reaching the bottom. Use a simple jigging technique, which includes letting your jig hit the bottom, tripping your reel when the jig hits the bottom and gently lifting and lowering your rod with the jig. Drift with the current and wait for sauger to hit.

    • 4

      Troll for sauger during slightly warmer fall temperatures, especially when the water is in the 58 to 60 degree range. Troll using medium-size crankbaits that run at 9 to 12 feet of depth when cast out and reeled in. Cast about 35 feet of line and use your trolling motor to move slowly upstream and downstream until you find out which way the fish are biting. Ideally your baits will run at 14 to 16 feet in depth, and you may need to change color often to find the best lure for the day.