The sauger (Sander canadensis) is a freshwater predatory fish native to North America, closely related to the walleye, and is recognized for its elongated body, dark mottled coloring, and sharp canine teeth. Sauger primarily inhabit large rivers and reservoirs across the central and eastern United States and parts of southern Canada. The top countries for sauger fishing are the United States and Canada, with the U.S.—particularly states along the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio River basins—leading both in commercial and recreational harvests. While commercial sauger fishing has declined due to population pressures and management regulations, recreational angling remains popular, especially in states like Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas. In Canada, sauger are found mainly in the southern Prairie Provinces, where they are targeted by both sport and subsistence fishers. The species is valued for its firm, mild-flavored flesh, and sustainable management practices have become increasingly important to maintain healthy populations and support local fishing economies.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | 124 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.