Saugeye in Wisconsin
Seasons, records and abundance for saugeye.
- 3 in total; minimum limit
- 8 lbs. 14.7 oz.record
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Where saugeye fit in Wisconsin fishing
On the WDNR list, Saugeye (Stizostedion vitreum x Stizostedion canadense) belongs to the Perches (Percidae); the hook and line guide calls it game fish. Row one of the Wisconsin table (most waters in the ceded territory): 3 in total; minimum length 15 inches but less than 20 inches may be kept; one may be over 24 inches; season May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027.
The WDNR record list shows 8 lbs. 14.7 oz. from Wisconsin River, 2009, in the hook and line category.
Keeping saugeye in Wisconsin
| Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Most waters in the Ceded Territory | 3 in total; minimum length 15 inches but less than 20 inches may be kept; one may be over 24 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Most other inland waters | 3 in total; minimum length 15 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters – in lakes | 5 in total; minimum length 15 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters – in rivers and their flowages | 1; minimum length 15 inches | March 1, 2026 – May 1, 2026 |
| Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters – in rivers and their flowages | 5 in total; minimum length 15 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| St. Croix River upstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam | 6 in total; minimum length None for sauger; 15 inches for walleye | May 2, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| St. Croix River downstream from the St. Croix Falls Dam to Prescott | 4 in total; minimum length None for sauger; 15 inches for walleye; only one walleye or sauger over 20 inches may be kept | May 2, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| St. Louis River | 2 in total; minimum length None for sauger; 15 inches for walleye | May 9, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| Mississippi River (Pools 3-8) | 4 in total; minimum length None for sauger; 15 inches for walleye; only one walleye or sauger over 20 inches may be kept | Open all year |
| Mississippi River (Pool 9) | 6 in total; minimum length None for sauger; 15 inches for walleye; walleye 20-27 inches must be released, only one over 27 inches may be kept | Open all year |
| Pools 9-12 | 6 in total; minimum length None for sauger, 15 inches for walleye; walleye 20-27 inches must be released, only one over 27 inches | Open all year |
| Major Green Bay tributaries and tributaries to Lake Michigan north of Waldo Blvd, Manitowoc | 1; minimum length 15 inches | March 2, 2026 – May 1, 2026 |
| Major Green Bay tributaries and tributaries to Lake Michigan north of Waldo Blvd, Manitowoc | 5 in total; minimum length 15 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| All other tributaries and ditches to Green Bay upstream to first dam/lake | 5 in total; minimum length 15 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Tributaries to Lake Michigan south of Waldo Blvd, Manitowoc | 5 in total; minimum length 15 inches | Open all year |
| Fox River from its mouth upstream to the dam at De Pere | 1 in total; minimum length 28 inches | March 2, 2026 – May 1, 2026 |
| Fox River from its mouth upstream to the dam at De Pere | 3 in total; no minimum length | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Fox River from its mouth upstream to the dam at De Pere | 1 in total; minimum length 28 inches | March 8, 2027 – April 30, 2027 |
| Lake Michigan waters north of Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc | 1 in total; minimum length 15 inches | March 2, 2026 – May 1, 2026 |
| Lake Michigan waters north of Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc | 5 in total; minimum length 15 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Lake Michigan waters north of Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc | 1 in total; minimum length 15 inches | March 8, 2027 – April 30, 2027 |
| Lake Michigan waters south of Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc | 5 in total; minimum length 15 inches | Open all year |
| Lake Superior | 5 in total; minimum length 15 inches, only 1 over 20 inches | Open all year |
| Lake Superior tributaries and connected sloughs | 5 in total (Bayfield County), 3 in total (Douglas, Ashland and Iron counties); minimum length 15 inches, only 1 over 20 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Winnebago System waters | 3 in total; only 1 may be a sauger or hybrid; no minimum length | Open all year |
2026-2027 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations (WDNR). Checked October 2026.
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| Category | Weight or length | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line | 8 lbs. 14.7 oz. | Wisconsin River | Columbia | 2009 |
WDNR record fish list, revised September 2026; angler names left out.
Finding saugeye on Wisconsin water
Streams holding saugeye
- Wisconsin RiverLincoln
WDNR Find a Lake fish lists and fisheries designation layers; largest waters first.
Other species near saugeye on the list
- WalleyePerches (Percidae)
- SaugerPerches (Percidae)
- Yellow perchPerches (Percidae)
- RuffePerches (Percidae)
Pictures of lakes and rivers around Saugeye
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Corey Coyle, CC BY 3.0
saugeye in Wisconsin, answered briefly
How many saugeye may I keep in Wisconsin?
3 in total; minimum length 15 inches but less than 20 inches may be kept; one may be over 24 inches on most waters in the ceded territory; season May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027. Other waters have their own rows.
How big is the Wisconsin record saugeye?
8 lbs. 14.7 oz. from Wisconsin River in 2009 (hook and line).
Which lakes rate best for saugeye?
1 water here, starting with Wisconsin River.
Do Wisconsin hatcheries raise saugeye?
The WDNR summary lists none.
Is saugeye native to Wisconsin?
Stizostedion vitreum x Stizostedion canadense, Perches (Percidae); game fish.
What season dates cover saugeye?
May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 on most waters in the ceded territory.
Which Wisconsin license do I need for saugeye?
Anglers 16 and older need a Wisconsin fishing license: $20 a year for residents and $55 for nonresidents, with a $5 first-time buyer rate for residents.
Can I hire a Wisconsin guide for saugeye?
No guide listing mentions it.
Pick a lake for saugeye
Open a listed lake for landings and seasons.