FishableWaters

Species

Saugeye

On record in 56 waters across 4 states

Saugeye are a hatchery cross between walleye and sauger, bred specifically because they survive better than pure walleye in murky, structure-poor reservoirs. State agencies started crossing walleye and sauger for stocking programs decades ago after pure walleye kept failing to establish in reservoir habitat, and the hybrid caught on across the Midwest and Plains for exactly that reason.

Saugeye are on record in 56 waters across 4 states, most heavily in Ohio, Indiana, Oklahoma and Nebraska. FishableWaters tracks every saugeye stocking from state agency reports — use the state links and most-stocked list below to find waters near you.

By state

Most-stocked waters

How to catch them

Saugeye tolerate turbid water and low light better than walleye, so they feed effectively even in stained reservoirs where sight-feeding predators struggle. Jigging near bottom structure and trolling crankbaits along breaklines are both standard, with low-light hours still producing best.

Jig-and-minnow combos and nightcrawler harnesses are the standard approach, same as walleye. Crankbaits and blade baits worked near bottom structure also produce, especially in the reservoirs where saugeye are the primary predator stocked.

Know your fish

Similar to walleye but generally a bit more slender, with the white tail tip less pronounced than a true walleye's, and blotchy pigment patterns that split the difference between walleye and sauger markings. Distinguishing a saugeye from a pure walleye or sauger by eye can be tricky and sometimes comes down to fin ray counts.

Spring, particularly right after ice-out or during the spawn run up feeder creeks, is prime saugeye time. Fall turnover is the other strong window, as fish feed heavily on baitfish before winter.

Freshest saugeye stockings

Jun 4, 2026Beaver LakeNE19,992
Jun 4, 2026Big Alkali LakeNE63,577
Jun 3, 2026Buckskin Hills LakeNE3,538
Jun 3, 2026Lone Star ReservoirOR5,645
Jun 3, 2026Willow LakeNE27,248
Jun 2, 2026Glenn Cunningham LakeNE31,126
Jun 2, 2026Lake WanahooNE62,814
Jun 2, 2026Wehrspann LakeNE22,041
Jun 2, 2026Glenn Cunningham LakeNE11,413
Jun 2, 2026Willow CreekNE63,051
Jun 2, 2026Standing Bear LakeNE12,110
May 1, 2026Cherokee LakeTN8,300
May 1, 2026Cedar LakeIN39,050
May 1, 2026Cherokee LakeTN93,068
May 1, 2026Glenn Flint LakeIN33,000

Saugeye — FAQ

Where can I catch saugeye?+

Saugeye are stocked across 4 states, led by Ohio, Indiana, Oklahoma and Nebraska. Pick a state below to see every water stocked with saugeye.

What's the best bait for saugeye?+

Jig-and-minnow combos and nightcrawler harnesses are the standard approach, same as walleye. Crankbaits and blade baits worked near bottom structure also produce, especially in the reservoirs where saugeye are the primary predator stocked.

When is the best time to catch saugeye?+

Spring, particularly right after ice-out or during the spawn run up feeder creeks, is prime saugeye time. Fall turnover is the other strong window, as fish feed heavily on baitfish before winter.

How many waters are stocked with saugeye?+

56 waters across 4 states hold saugeye on record, updated daily from agency stocking reports.