Sauger Fishing Tips

Sauger Fishing Tips

Naturally reproducing populations of sauger are most abundant in the Ohio River, but they also occur in Lake Erie
drainages. Sauger are considered one of the most popular sportfish in the Ohio River and represent a large portion
of the fish caught by anglers at lock and dam “tailwaters.” Fishing techniques and tips will focus solely on
fishing the Ohio River and its tributaries.

TIPS

Needle-nose fisherman’s pliers will be helpful to remove hooks from a mouth full of teeth.
During high flows, sauger tend to stay out of strong current. During high flows at lock and dam tailwaters, sauger
 move out of strong current behind the lock walls and on the slack water shoreline behind the lock. They will also
concentrate near shore along rip rap, trees and other woody debris.
During low flows, sauger tend to move off shore to deeper flats. Deeper water along lock walls also holds fish at
low flow.
Remember, as water temperature increases by May, sauger disperse away from the tailwaters and move “down pool”
to confluences, tributary streams and islands.
Lower water temperatures in the fall, winter and early spring concentrate sauger at the tailwaters and near shore
 (<12 feet).
Check for near shore movement to shallower water at dawn, dusk and after dark. Daytime angling, especially in clear
 water, should be in deeper water. Sauger will move in shallow during the day in muddy conditions; however, the best
 fishing near shore is at night and 30 minutes after sunrise and 30  minutes before sunset.