In the Ohio River and its tributaries, the sauger is an important species. Sauger are also found in other large river systems of the Mid Atlantic. They also occur in large freshwater impoundments such as Lake Champlain (New York-Vermont), and Lake Norman (North Carolina).
Like their close relative, the walleye, sauger have specialized eyes that allow them to feed effectively at night. They are often caught along shorelines from dusk until dawn. Anglers usually fish for sauger with small jigs or live minnows.
Sauger fishing can be good during overcast days. Anglers also report that sauger bite well during periods of rain or snow.
Sauger fishing usually varies by season. Sauger often congregate in tailwater areas in the early spring. As temperatures rise during the summer months, they usually disperse throughout local habitats.
Again in the fall, they congregate at stream confluences and other junctions. By late fall, they move to tailwater areas until the following spring.