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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
Spring, Fall
Best season
4
Listed lakes

🛡 Conservation Status

🔴 Threatened 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.

🌿 Habitat & Behavior

Large, turbid rivers and Great Lakes connecting waters. Prefers faster current and deeper water than walleye. Rarely found in clear inland lakes.

🎣 Best Techniques

Same presentations as walleye -- jigs, live bait rigs, crankbaits drifted in river current. Report any catches to MDNR as sightings are tracked.

🌊 Where to Catch in Michigan

Lake County Population Notes
Cheboygan Lake
640 acres
 Cheboygan Poor Michigan Threatened -- extremely rare. Report catches to MDNR.
Lake St. Clair
260,000 acres
 Macomb Poor Michigan Threatened -- extremely rare. Report catches to MDNR.
Muskegon Lake
4,150 acres
 Muskegon Poor Michigan Threatened -- extremely rare. Report catches to MDNR.
Muskegon Lake
4,150 acres
 Muskegon Poor Michigan Threatened -- extremely rare. Report catches to MDNR.

📦 DNR Stocking History

Total stocked: 58,000
Stocking events: 1
Peak year: 1988 (58,000)

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📋 Quick Facts

🔗 Resources

📖 DNR Sport Fishing Guide 📋 DNR Stocking Database 🐟 All Fish Species 🎣 MDNR Sport Fishing 🔬 MDNR Fish ID Guide 🎣 Log a catch