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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Sauger

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Becker (1983); Page and Burr (1991); Etnier and Starnes (1993); Jenkins and Burkhead (1994).  Reasons for changing the generic name from Stizostedion to Sander are given in Nelson et al. 2003.  The specific name is changed from canadense to canadensis to agree with the masculine Sander (Nelson et al. 2004).

Size: 76 cm.

Native Range: St. Lawrence-Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and Mississippi River basins from Quebec to Alberta, and south to northern Alabama and Louisiana (Page and Burr 1991).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Intentionally stocked for sportfishing in most areas. Introductions in the Lake Michigan drainage of Wisconsin are likely due to an canal connection linking the Wisconsin drainage to the Fox drainage.

Status: Established in Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. Reported from Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Nebraska. Extirpated in North Carolina. Unknown in other areas.

Impact of Introduction: Sauger compete with walleye where both species coexist, but are generally out-competed by the walleye except in highly turbid waters where the Saugers' eyes are better adapted (Schneider et al. 2007).

Remarks: None.

References: (click for full references)

Nelson, J. S., E. J. Crossman, H. Espinosa-Perez, L. T. Findley, C. R. Giilbert, R. N. Lea and J. D. Williams. 2003. The "Names of Fishes" list, including recommendations in fish names: Chinook salmon for chinook salmon, and Sander to replace Stizostedion for the sauger and walleye. Fisheries. 28(7): 38-39.

Nelson, J. S., E. J. Crossman, H. Espinosa-Perez, L. T. Findley, C. R. Gilbert, R. N. Lea and J. D. Williams. 2004. Common and Scientific Names of Fishes from the United States, Canada and Mexico, Sixth Edition. American Fisheries Society Special Publication 29. Bethesda, MD.

Schneider, J.C., R.P. O'Neal, and R.D. Clark, Jr. 2007. Ecology, management, and status of walleye, sauger, and yellow perch in Michigan. State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources Special Report 41. 86 pp.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. STORET database http://www.epa.gov/storet/ accessed 6/17/09

Other Resources:

Author: Pam Fuller, and Matt Cannister

Peer Review Date: 2/21/2011

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.