saugeye has dusky blotches that run the length of each spine on the dorsal fin. walleye have a very distinct white spot on the base of the caudal fin and a dark dorsal with a dark spot at the back end of the spiny dorsal.
Considering this, how can you tell a walleye?
The dorsal fin (spiny fin on top of the fish) on a sauger has black spots. A walleye does not, and the pieces of skin in between the last 2 spines are solid black. 2. The tail of a walleye is white on the lower fin.
Secondly, do walleye and sauger taste the same? Sauger and Walleye are both great fish to catch. On top of that, they both taste delicious. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of where both species live. More importantly, you’ll be able to tell them apart next time you catch one.
Keeping this in consideration, how do you identify a saugeye?
Saugeye look similar to both parental species. They are best identified by the “blotchy” saddle markings on their side and back similar to sauger, but they usually have white pigment on the lower portion of their tail along with dark blotches on their dorsal fin membrane.
What is a sauger walleye?
The sauger (Sander canadensis) is a freshwater perciform fish of the family Percidae which resembles its close relative the walleye. They are members of the largest vertebrate order, Perciformes. They are the most migratory percid species in North America.
17 Related Question Answers Found
What does a walleye eat?
After 40 to 60 days, juvenile walleyes become piscivorous. Thenceforth, both juvenile and adult walleyes eat fish almost exclusively, frequently yellow perch or ciscoes, moving onto bars and shoals at night to feed. Walleye also feed heavily on crayfish, minnows, and leeches.
What does a small walleye look like?
On average, they measure 10 to 18 inches long and weigh 1 to 3 pounds, yet can grow to be well over this size. Walleye are olive and gold in color fading to a white underside. They have large dark spots on their back and smaller dark spots on their fins. This fish has a large mouth filled with many razor-sharp teeth.
Is walleye fishing good after a storm?
Moving water, whether runoff or coming via a stream or river, is a walleye magnet anytime of the year. Other fish species, like northern pike and musky, use time after a storm to take advantage of vulnerable bait fish schools. After storms we found fish like the walleye lying on the bottom of the huge tank.
Why is a walleye called a walleye?
Walleye are a member of the perch family (Percidae). The walleye is named for its pearlescent eye, which is caused by a reflective layer of pigment called the tapetum lucidum, that helps them see and feed at night or in murky water.
Is a pickerel and walleye?
A walleye is sometimes called a pickerel, particularly in English-speaking parts of Canada, but in fact, the walleye and the pickerel are not at all related. However, both are members of the same family, the pike family or Esocidae. Walleyes are freshwater perciform fishes.
How can you tell a male walleye from a female?
For certain, large walleye are almost always female fish. Like most fish species, the size advantage goes to the females so that they can produce more eggs and keep the population strong. But when they are smaller—say 14 to 16 inches—it is almost impossible to tell whether the fish is a male or female.
Are zander and walleye the same?
Walleye (Sander vitreus) and Zander (Sander lucioperca) are closely related. Walleye being a North American fish and Zander being a Eurasian fish. They’re kind of like long lost cousins of the fish world. Walleye prized widely for its taste in N.
How do you catch saugeye?
how to catch Saugeye. Like their parent species, Saugeyes can be taken with light spinning and bait casting tackle using spinners, spoons, or live bait like minnows or night crawlers. These fish can often be caught at night and are considered to be excellent table fare.
What is the world record Sauger?
The world record saugeye stands at 12 pounds 13 ounces. If you’re curious, the world record walleye weighs 25 pounds and the world record sauger weighs 8 pounds 12 ounces.
Is Saugeye good eating?
Saugeye are fast-growing, strong, fair fighters and good eating. They are a fish that thrives equally well in lakes from Charles Mill to Salt Fork or rivers from the Ohio to the Muskingum. What’s more important to area anglers is these fish are active in winter and like to swim up rivers until stopped by a dam.
Do Saugeye have teeth?
Saugeye are a cross of the walleye and sauger. Sharp canine teeth, dark blotches on the sides, and a white tip on the lower tail also help identify the saugeye.
Can saugeye reproduce?
Saugeye are created by crossing walleye eggs with sperm from a sauger. The result is a fast growing fish that has excellent survival abilities. Generally, most hybrid species do not reproduce, but saugeye do occasionally reproduce with walleye and sauger. This can create genetic problems in the fishery.
Do they farm raised walleye?
Walleye have been raised for many years by both private and public sectors, mainly in outdoor pond type systems. Indoor larval tank rearing systems have been demonstrated in Iowa for many years and now UWSP-NADF is using heated recycled water systems for grow out.
How big do saugeye get?
The average length of adults is 12-18 inches, but they can reach 30 inches on occasion. Adults usually weight 1-2 pounds, but they can sometimes weigh up to 14 pounds. The saugeye is in the Percidae (perches and darters) family.
How big does a Sauger get?
The sauger is part of the Percidae family with perches and darters, and is also referred to as the Jack salmon. Adults are typically 9-15 inches long and weight less than one pound, but they can reach 24 inches and 7 pounds.
What do walleye fish taste like?
The walleye has white flesh. It has a less murky taste than bass. Fish fillets which are fine and flaked have a sweet, thick, succulent and mild flavour.
Is Walleye good eating?
Walleye are safe to eat. They are also some of the healthiest foods available. The benefits of consuming walleye are much greater than the risks of contaminant exposure. However, in certain locations, fish consumption notices have been issued in the past for walleye.