SAUGER (Stizostedion canadense)

HISTORY:
Sauger were first collected in the Red Deer river by G.F. Sternberg in 1915. They were first reported to be in both the Red Deer and the Milk river systems by Martin J. Paetz in 1958. They are also present in theNorth Sasketchewan, Bow, Oldman, St. Mary And South Saskatchewan river systems.

BIOLOGY:
The Sauger is another member of the perch family very similar in appearance to the Walleye. It does however lack the distinct white spot on the lower tip of the tail. It is usually a gold-green to yellow. Depending on it's environment color may very. It also has dark wide stripes down the side with a white under belly. The dorsal fin has many dark spots on it. The Sauger and Walleye both have silvery, iridescent eyes. This is from a layer of light reflecting tissue that increases vision at low-light conditions. The Sauger is more tolerant of silty, stained and muddy waters. Sauger spawn in spring when the water temperature reaches 6 C. These fish can lay between 9,000 and 96,000 eggs. They usually range in the 2 to 3lb range with some reaching as large as 5lbs. The Alberta record was caught in the Milk river by D. Bosch this fish weighed in at 5lbs 9 ozs. There have been larger fish caught in the United States such as the 8lb 12 oz. Sauger from Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota.

Some small perch will travel with other species of the same size. Perch feed mainly on insects, snails and small minnows. These fish spawn at three years of age. Perch spawn in the spring in a very unique way. They lay their eggs in a jelly like ribbon over weeds or logs. Even though these eggs are totally exposed, other fish seem to leave them alone suggesting they have some sort of foul smell or taste to them. Perch have a short life span of about seven years.

HOT SPOTS:
The milk river is a very productive river along with the Red Deer, North and South Saskatchewan rivers. The Rosebud is often over looked as a fine Sauger and Walleye fishery. Try back eddies, deep pools or anything you see that has changed the speed of the current such as boulders and logs. Always keep in mind that Sauger are very tolerant of dirty water so don't shy away from water that looks way to silty or muddy to fish. Feeder creeks and tributaries can get very muddy during heavy rains and run off these areas tend to push other game fish out but Sauger will move right in to take advantage of the bounty the creeks have to offer.

ANGLING TECHNIQUES:
Sauger are very similar to fish for as Walleye. Many Saugers are caught as an incidental catch by Walleye fisherman. The same methods can be used such as Lindy rigs tipped with minnows or leeches worked slowly on the bottom or simply let it sit in a good pool and wait for them to find the offering. Working a minnow imitation like a Rapala slowly along the bottom ripping it into the bottom followed by a sudden pause can trigger inactive fish into striking. Jigs tipped with bait or rubber tails like Mister Twister Exude baits worked slowly along the bottom can also be very productive. Keep in mind when you are fishing Sauger they feed the same as Walleyes. They swim up to their prey and open their mouth very suddenly taking in a large amount of water all the while taking in the prey. Then they close their mouth to consume the meal. This is when you need to set the hook. It takes some getting used to but if you keep in mind the way they feed you will become more successful.