Reproduction and Early Life History of Sauger, Stizostedion canadense, in Lewis and Clark Lake

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Abstract
Sauger (Stizostedion canadense) reproduction and early life history have been studied to determine factors affecting year‐class strength in Lewis and Clark Lake, a 28,000‐acre reservoir on the South Dakota‐Nebraska border. Sauger spawn over a rubble substrate in the Missouri River below Fort Randall Dam. Spawning is initiated at a water temperature of 43 F and is complete in approximately 2 weeks. Maximum egg survival occurs 4 ft below minimum river water level. Eggs hatch in 21 days at an average temperature of 47 F and larvae drift down the Missouri River and into Lewis and Clark Lake. The yolk sac is absorbed in 7 to 9 days and larvae feed primarily upon Cyclops. Larger size larvae feed on Daphnia and Diaptomus. Fish are a major food after sauger reach 70 to 110 mm lengths. Adult year‐class strength was inversely related to water level fluctuations over the spawning grounds. Abundance of larvae was 15 times greater in 1965 when water levels fluctuated 2.67 ft/day than in 1963 when water levels fluctuated 4.44 ft/day. Apparently, year‐class strength is dependent upon water level fluctuation during the incubation period and is determined before young‐of‐the‐year enter Lewis and Clark Lake.

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