Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Date of this Version
December 1968
Abstract
Studies by the North Central Reservoir Investigations show that good reproduction by Lewis and Clark Lake sauger is dependent on minimum water level change on spawning grounds. Sauger spawn 7 miles below Fort Randall Dam over a 4-mi1e long gravel, rubble, boulder shoreline. Spawning begins when water temperatures at the dam reach 42 F. This usually occurs during the latter part of April or early May. Sauger spawn along the shoreline in 1 to 2 ft of water from about 8:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight. Fertilized eggs sink to the bottom and adhere to gravel ~ rubble, and boulders. Most spawning occurs over a period of 7 days and most eggs hatch in 21 days.