Sauger 🔴 Threatened
🔬 Sander canadensis
The walleye's smaller, range-restricted cousin. Nearly identical to walleye but with a spotted (not clear) spiny dorsal fin and no white tip on the lower tail lobe. Prefers larger, turbid rivers and Great Lakes rather than clear inland lakes. Listed as Michigan Threatened -- now rare in the state. Historically present in the Detroit River and Lake Erie but populations have collapsed.
0.5-2 lbs, 10-18 inches
Typical size
7 lbs 6 oz
Michigan record
Full stocking history & restocking forecasts with Fishing+
🏆 Michigan record
7 lbs 6 oz
·James Kapuscinski ·St. Marys River ·Chippewa County ·1998 All records →
📅 Best Times to Fish Sauger
❄️ Sauger is a popular ice fishing target in Michigan.
🛡 Sauger Conservation Status
🔴 Threatened Sauger is listed as threatened in Michigan. Listed as Michigan Threatened. Historically found in larger rivers and Lake Erie/Lake Huron but populations have declined severely due to habitat loss, turbidity changes, and competition. Now extremely rare in Michigan -- confirmed records are limited. Any sighting should be reported to the MDNR Fisheries Division. Michigan requires a minimum length of 15" to keep. The daily bag limit is 5.
🌿 Sauger Habitat & Behavior
Large, turbid rivers and Great Lakes connecting waters. Prefers faster current and deeper water than walleye. Rarely found in clear inland lakes. DNR records show Sauger present in 5 Michigan water bodies. Highest stocking activity on record is in Antrim County. Bite activity rates Good or better in Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec. Sauger is a viable ice fishing target in Michigan.
🎣 Best Sauger Techniques
Same presentations as walleye -- jigs, live bait rigs, crankbaits drifted in river current. Report any catches to MDNR as sightings are tracked.
🪱 Best Sauger Baits
Minnows, night crawlers, jigs, blade baits, jigging spoons
📋 Sauger Fishing Regulations in Michigan
Last Saturday in April – March 15
Season
Similar regulations to Walleye. Primarily found in the St. Marys River and a few other Michigan waters.
⚠️ Regulations shown are general statewide guidelines for 2025. Rules vary by water body and change annually.
Always verify current regulations in the official
Michigan DNR Fishing Guide before you fish.
🌊 Where to Catch Sauger in Michigan
SpeciesSauger
Quantity58,000 fish
StockedApr 25, 1988
Size at stocking0.3"
📋 Sauger Stocking Events by Lake
| Date |
Lake |
County |
Quantity |
Size |
1 more recent stocking event available with Fishing+
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Most valuable for Sauger anglers
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Full stocking history across all 1 lakes, plus a forecast of which waters are due for restocking this season.
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See which Michigan lakes are likely to be stocked with Sauger next — view the stocking forecast →
📋 Quick Sauger Facts
- Common name
- Sauger
- Scientific name
- Sander canadensis
- Typical size
- 0.5-2 lbs, 10-18 inches
- Michigan record
- 7 lbs 6 oz
- Best season
- Spring, Fall
- Status
- 🔴 Threatened
- Listed in
- 5 Michigan lakes
- Consumption
- Eat with caution
💡 Angler Tips for Sauger
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