Sauger Fishing in Minnesota
The walleye’s smaller cousin. Common in the Mississippi River, Minnesota River, and large northern lakes. Excellent eating.
Sauger
Sander canadensis
The walleye's smaller cousin. Common in the Mississippi River, Minnesota River, and large northern lakes. Excellent eating.
Size Limit
15 inches (combined with walleye on most waters)
Daily Bag
6 (combined with walleye)
Season
Same as walleye
State Record
6 lb 2 oz
Mississippi River (2004)
Best Months to Fish
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
What to Use
Live Bait & Natural
MinnowsNightcrawlers
Lures & Artificials
JigsBlade baitsJigging spoons
Minnesota Lakes with Sauger
9 lakes in our directory have sauger — sorted by size.
Lake of the Woods (MN)
Lake of the Woods County
725,582.7 acres
Rainy
St. Louis County
210,200.2 acres
Lac la Croix
St. Louis County
29,596.66 acres
Namakan
St. Louis County
24,066.28 acres
Kabetogama
St. Louis County
24,034 acres
Sand Point
St. Louis County
8,526.51 acres
Crane
St. Louis County
2,920.63 acres
Little Vermilion
St. Louis County
1,287.71 acres
Rat Root
Koochiching County
734.29 acres
Regulation Notes
Combined walleye/sauger bag limits.
More Minnesota Fish Species
Plan Your Sauger Trip
Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next sauger fishing trip in Minnesota.
Explore Lakes Find a Guide Bait & TackleRegulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Minnesota DNR regulations before fishing. A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+.