Do You Know What Fish Is Biting On Your Line?
A staple of a classic Wisconsin fish fry, the walleye is one of the more popular species to fish for in the fall. But how do you know if it’s a walleye or its smaller cousin, the sauger?
The easiest way to tell the two apart is to look at their dorsal and tail fins and the pigment pattern along their body. Sauger will have polka-dots on their dorsal fins whereas walleye will only have a dark blotch at the end of their dorsal fins.
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A walleye, left, will have a large white blotch on its tail, while a sauger will usually have a thin white ray or nothing. |
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A sauger, right, will have distinct saddles on its body and a walleye may have faint barring along its back. |
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The location of your catch can also help with identification. While walleye can be found in rivers and lakes, sauger are primarily found in Wisconsin’s rivers.
If you catch a fish that looks a little like a walleye or sauger, you might have caught a hybrid. Walleye and sauger are known to hybridize, creating what many anglers know as a “saugeye”.
What’s The Best Way To Catch A Walleye Or Sauger?
Try using live baits, like minnows, worms or leeches.
Learn how to ID other Wisconsin fish species on the DNR’s species page.
Remember, before you head to your favorite fishing hole or a new-to-you body of water, make sure to check the fishing regulations for size restrictions, bag limits and season dates for the water you are fishing the species you are catching. |
