A saugeye is a cross between a sauger and a walleye. The fingerlings from West Virginia hatcheries were first introduced in Virginia waters in 2013, and they are doing very well in a number of Virgina lakes and rivers. In fact, saugeyes outperformed walleyes in many locations and are now firmly established in several lakes and rivers across the state. Saugeyes in Virginia are managed like walleye, and are treated as walleye in the regulatory process. Saugeyes have added to Virginia winter fishing possibilities as they tend to congregate in February and feed in the coldest conditions.
Minnows and shiners fished either under a float or via a Carolina “fish-finder” rig on the bottom are productive baits. Anglers fishing with nightcrawlers are also successful, especially when slow-trolled with a crawler harness rig in the summer months on lakes. Artificial lures can work well in late winter and early spring when saugeye are staging to go through the spawning motions.
Recently, Lake Anna has been giving up nice catches of these tasty fish. Saugeyes may also be found at Lake Brittle, Burke Lake, Lake Orange, Lake Chesdin and Little Creek Reservoir. The Staunton River near Brookneal offers another opportunity for anglers to target saugeye. In fact, the first Virginia state-record saugeye came from the Staunton River weighing in at 6 lb., 0 oz.
Sometimes stocking efforts of new species by our Game Department prove futile, but in the case of saugeyes, this looks like a winner.
