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Sauger

Sander canadensis

Identification

Similar to walleye but with distinct dark saddle-shaped blotches on its sides and spots on the dorsal fin (which walleye lack).

Where It's Found

Turbid, murky rivers and reservoirs, more tolerant of low-visibility water than walleye — common through the Mississippi and Missouri River basins.

Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)

Fishing Notes

Tends to hold deeper and tighter to the bottom than walleye; vertical jigging near river channel edges is the standard technique.

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Scientific Classification▾

Family

Percidae

Genus

Sander

Order

Perciformes

Class

Actinopterygii

Phylum

Chordata

Kingdom

Animalia

Find a boat ramp near you and check state fishing regulations before you head out.

Photography sourced from Wikimedia Commons contributors.