Illustration by Duane Raver/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Sauger
Stizostedion canadense
June 11, 1805, Missouri River, above the mouth of the Marias River, Chouteau County, Montana.
Elongate, almost cylindrical; gray to dull brown, sides brassy to orange with dark markings, often with three to four dark saddles extending to middle of sides, belly whitish. Length: to 28 in (71 cm); 8.8 lbs (4 kg).
Dingy, turbid waters of large creeks and rivers with moderate to swift current; also lakes and reservoirs.
Quebec to Alberta; St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes; Mississippi River drainage south to Tennessee, northern Alabama, and Arkansas.
The sauger is an important sport and food fish and is harvested commercially in parts of Canada.
