The first saugeye stocking in Oklahoma took place in May 1985 at Lake Thunderbird. Since then, numerous other state lakes, including Atoka, Bluestem, Burtschi, Carl Blackwell, Ellsworth, Fort Cobb, Great Salt Plains, Hall, Holdenville, Jean Neustadt, Lawtonka, Shawnee Lakes, Sooner, Tom Steed, Vanderwork, and Waurika, have been stocked with saugeye. This widespread distribution allows anglers throughout the state to enjoy the thrill of saugeye fishing.
To identify saugeye, it's important to observe their distinguishing characteristics. Start by examining the spiny dorsal fin. Walleye will have no spots on this fin, while sauger will display distinct spots. The saugeye, being a hybrid of the two species, will have both spots and bars in the webbing of its spiny dorsal fin. Additionally, pay attention to the coloration of the fish and the presence or absence of cheek scales, as these can also aid in identification.
A fascinating feature of saugeye is their eye glow. The tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer on the retina, gives their eyes an eerie glow. This adaptation allows saugeye to feed efficiently at night in low light conditions.
Both walleye and saugeye are non-native species in Oklahoma. They were introduced to fill newly-created niches in reservoirs, alongside other species like stripers and hybrids. Walleye were first stocked in 1950 at lakes Tenkiller and Canton, while saugeye, a crossbreed of walleye and native sauger, made a more recent appearance in state waters.
Saugeye play a vital role in the ecosystem and offer multiple benefits. Not only are they highly regarded as delicious table fare, but they also contribute to improving the fishery in lakes with stunted crappie populations. Once saugeye reach 16 inches in length, they begin to feed on crappie, thus helping control their numbers and promoting a healthier crappie population. Anglers can anticipate better saugeye fishing experiences throughout Oklahoma.
Understanding the behavior and habitat of saugeye is crucial for successful fishing. During the spawning season in March and April, walleye and saugeye migrate to rocky substrates. Rip-rap along dams and bridges often serve as preferred spawning habitats. When targeting saugeye during this time, jigs prove to be excellent bait choices.
Once spawning is complete, saugeye transition to deeper water in main-lake areas. To locate fish, trolling with deep-diving crankbaits along shoreline drop-offs can be highly effective. When you catch a saugeye, it's advisable to thoroughly work the area with crankbaits, jigs, or jig-and-minnow combinations.
Furthermore, tailwater fishing, particularly during periods of heavy flow, can yield productive results. Anglers seeking to catch both striped bass and saugeye in the same lake will find lakes Carl Blackwell and Sooner to be ideal destinations, boasting abundant populations of both species.
Here are some additional tips and noteworthy facts to enhance your saugeye fishing experience:
Winter Fishing at Lake Thunderbird: During the winter season, Lake Thunderbird is known for catching legal-sized saugeye (>18"). The optimal time is from dusk until about two hours after sunset. For this fishing endeavor, try using a shallow-running minnow bait retrieved very slowly.
Saugeye Success at Ft. Cobb, Tom Steed, and Lawtonka: Saugeye stocking has revitalized fishing at lakes Ft. Cobb, Tom Steed, and Lawtonka, which were historically prime walleye waters. Recent netting samples confirm that saugeye numbers now rival peak walleye abundances in the "heydays" at each of these lakes.
Striped Bass and Saugeye: Anglers who desire to target both striped bass and saugeye in the same lake should plan a visit to lakes Carl Blackwell and Sooner. These lakes boast abundant populations of both species, including a high percentage of large fish.
Saugeye tend to congregate near the bottom, often found on sandbars, ledges, and drop-offs. As voracious predators, they primarily feed on fish from the time they are stocked. Their diet consists almost exclusively of other fish, making them a thrilling catch for anglers.