![Sauger illustration](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_small/public/2021-01/sauger-header_0.jpg?itok=kSqbfnC2)
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Sauger
Perch Family: Walleye, sauger and yellow perch are popular game fish in this family. Darters, which seldom exceed 4 inches, also belong to the perch family.
Sauger Identification
- Two completely separated dorsal fins
- The first fin is spiny (2 spines), while the second fin has soft rays (11-14 soft rays)
- A native fish that resemble walleye but are usually thinner in build
- Blotched body color and rows of dark spots on the dorsal fin (compared to the one black blotch of the walleye)
Notes
Sauger typically inhabit turbid and fairly fast-moving water of rivers, such as the Yellowstone River, and streams.
The saugeye is a cross between a walleye and sauger but cannot be positively identified by external physical characteristics.