Sander vitreus × Sander canadensis
Ohio's signature species — a walleye-sauger hybrid, with up to 23 million stocked annually.
Saugeye are Ohio’s signature species — a walleye-sauger hybrid pioneered by Ohio DNR in the late 1970s. Ohio stocks 17-23 million saugeye annually (23 million in 2024), making it the leading saugeye state in the country. They thrive in Ohio’s inland reservoirs where pure walleye struggle, grow fast, feed aggressively, and are excellent table fare. Top saugeye lakes include Indian Lake, Caesar Creek, Pleasant Hill, Alum Creek, and Rocky Fork.
Combined walleye/saugeye/sauger daily limit of 6
Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next saugeye fishing trip in Ohio.
Explore Lakes Find a Guide Bait & TackleRegulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Ohio DNR regulations before fishing. An Ohio fishing license is required for ages 16+.