UncommonNativeSecure
6
Sauger
Sander canadensis · Percidae
Walleye's river cousin. Master of muddy current.
Common
12–18 in
Max
24 in
Weight
Up to 5 lbs
Best Bite Windows
When sauger feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
DORMANT25%feeding activity
Off-peak · slow near cover
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
12a6a12p6p12a
DAWN
75
MORN
46
MIDD
28
AFTE
60
DUSK
82
NIGH
78
Muddy-current night hunter
Solar + LunarMED-HIGH lunar pull
Major feeds7:51p – 9:51p5:11a – 7:11a
Minor feeds5:31a – 6:31a8:01p – 9:01p
Solunar window 8:06p – 9:36p
Full MoonNew Moon
Day · Deep river channel structure and current breaks in daylight. Tapetum lucidum eye similar to Walleye — thrives after dark.
Night · Active night feeder. Full Moon amplifies feeding windows along main river channels and below dams.
Habitat
RiversTailwaters
Range
Arkansas River tailwaters; Mississippi main channel.
Diet
Shad, minnows, small crawfish.
Best baits & lures
Jig & minnow
Small crankbaits
Bottom-bouncers
Ready-to-fish boxes for Sauger
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Tale Waters & Tides
The home water for Arkansas anglers
Pocket Fishing Guide is powered by Tale Waters & Tides — gear, guides, and the stories behind the water. Plan your next trip with us.
How to fish it · techniques
Fish below dams in winter
Vertical jig the deep slot
Slow
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Rileys White & Buffalo Outfitter
Your White & Buffalo River outfitter
Guided float trips, canoe & kayak rentals, and riverside cabins on the White and Buffalo rivers.
Fun fact
Sauger handle muddy, fast water that walleye won't touch. They have an even better tapetum lucidum — turbid-water vision that makes them apex predators in the lower Arkansas.
Status
Secure
Native · Percidae