Sauger (Stizostedion canadense)
Last Update/Review: August 6, 2002
The sauger is closely related to the walleye, but does not grow as large. As a member of the perch family, it also has a large spiny dorsal fin. It is most easily distinguished from the walleye by the absence of the white area on its tail fin. The sauger is golden olive on the back, with silver-yellow sides and a white underside. It has distinct rows of spots on its dorsal fins, and usually three or four dusky vertical bars on its body.
This species is only found in the North and South Saskatchewan, Red Deer, Bow, St. Mary and Milk rivers, and not found in any Alberta lakes. It tolerates silty water.
Spawning takes place in the spring, when females lay between 9000 and 96,000 eggs.
The sauger's diet consists of a variety of small fishes, leeches and insects. It often feeds on the same shoals as the walleye.
