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7 Shocking Secrets About Grand Lake St. Marys Saugeye Fish That Will Change Your Next Fishing Trip

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The future of fishing at Grand Lake St. Marys has been fundamentally reshaped, thanks to a landmark stocking initiative by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. As of December 26, 2025, anglers are buzzing with anticipation following the first-ever introduction of the highly prized saugeye—a fast-growing, aggressive hybrid—into this massive 13,500-acre reservoir. This move signals a new era for the lake, promising a challenging and rewarding experience for sport fishermen in the coming seasons.

The key takeaway for any serious angler is this: while the saugeye fingerlings released in May 2025 are still growing, they are projected to reach a highly catchable size by summer 2026. This article breaks down the stocking details, the best techniques, and the specific locations on Grand Lake St. Marys you need to target to be ready for the explosion of this new fishery.

The New Era: Grand Lake St. Marys Saugeye Stocking & Growth Timeline

The decision to introduce saugeye into Grand Lake St. Marys marks a significant shift in the lake's fishery management. The saugeye, a hybrid cross between a female Walleye and a male Sauger, is known for its rapid growth, hard fighting nature, and ability to thrive in the often turbid, nutrient-rich waters of Ohio reservoirs.

Secret 1: The Massive 2025 Stocking Event

On May 22, 2025, the ODNR Division of Wildlife released approximately 217,000 saugeye fingerlings into Grand Lake St. Marys. This was the first stocking of the species in the lake, a move designed to leverage the lake's abundant food sources. The fish were released from the St. Marys State Fish Hatchery, located near the lake's northeast corner.

  • Hybrid Advantage: Saugeye are more resilient and faster-growing than purebred Walleye, making them an ideal candidate for a large, shallow body of water like Grand Lake St. Marys.
  • The Prey Target: The primary goal is to utilize the excess population of prey fish, particularly young Gizzard Shad, which are abundant throughout the lake. The saugeye act as a natural, aggressive predator to help balance the ecosystem.

Secret 2: When to Expect Catchable Fish

While the May 2025 release involved small fingerlings (about 1–2 inches long), their growth rate is impressive. Wildlife officials project that many of these saugeye will reach the desirable, catchable size of 13- to 15-inches by the end of summer 2026. The ODNR plans to annually release saugeye, ensuring a sustained and robust recreational fishing opportunity for years to come.

3 Must-Know Saugeye Fishing Techniques for Grand Lake St. Marys

Saugeye are notorious for being aggressive, yet they can be elusive. They often feed during low-light conditions and prefer to hug the bottom structure. Success on Grand Lake St. Marys, which spans across Auglaize and Mercer Counties, will depend on adapting classic Walleye and Sauger techniques to the lake's unique characteristics.

Secret 3: The Power of Trolling in the Channels

Trolling is arguably the most effective method for covering the vast, 12,900-acre surface of the lake and locating schools of saugeye. This technique is particularly effective in the lake's many Boat Channels, where fishing tournaments frequently take place.

  • Trolling Setup: Trolling with the wind or current is a proven tactic. Use small inline boards to get your bait away from the boat, covering a wider swath of water.
  • Lure Selection: Crankbaits that mimic the lake's Gizzard Shad population are excellent choices. Specifically, baits like Husky Jerks and Rogues that dive to the 6 to 9-foot depth range will be effective in the shallow channels.

Secret 4: Vertical Jigging Near the Spillways and Structure

As saugeye mature, they will congregate around structure, especially during periods of current flow. The Spillway areas on both the west and east ends of the lake are prime locations. The west end spillway discharges into the Wabash and Ohio River drainage systems, while the east end flows into the St. Marys River.

  • The Method: Vertical jigging is deadly when fish are concentrated. Drop a Jigging Spoon, Jigging Rapala, or Shiver Minnow directly beneath the boat.
  • Bait Tipping: For maximum effectiveness, tip your artificial lures with live bait. A small piece of a nightcrawler or a minnow adds scent and a natural profile that saugeye cannot resist.

Secret 5: The Nighttime and Low-Light Advantage

Saugeye, like their Walleye cousins, have excellent low-light vision, making them far more active after sunset, at sunrise, and during the mid-fall period.

  • Best Time: Focus your efforts from dusk until a few hours after dark, or before the sun comes up.
  • Nighttime Lures: Soft plastics fished on light 1/8 jig heads are a favorite among Ohio anglers. Using a 2- to 3-inch grub tail or a Joshy swimbait is a proven saugeye killer, especially when fished slowly near the bottom.

The Grand Lake Ecosystem: Other Species & Key Locations

Understanding the full ecosystem of Grand Lake St. Marys is crucial for any successful fishing trip. The lake is a multi-species haven, and you will likely encounter other popular fish while targeting saugeye.

Secret 6: The Supporting Cast of Fish Species

While the saugeye are the new stars, the lake offers excellent fishing for several other species, which can provide action while you wait for the saugeye to reach trophy size.

  • Crappie and Perch: The lake is well-known for its Crappie and Yellow Perch populations, particularly during the winter ice-fishing season.
  • Catfish: Channel Catfish are another top target, often found in the same deeper channels and structure that will eventually hold the mature saugeye.
  • Bluegill: Abundant Bluegill offer consistent action for shore anglers and boaters alike.

Secret 7: Key Locations to Focus Your Efforts

To maximize your chances of connecting with a future trophy saugeye, focus on these specific geographical entities within the Grand Lake St. Marys region:

  • Celina, Ohio: Located on the northwest side of the lake, Celina offers excellent access and boat ramps for launching into the main lake area.
  • St. Marys, Ohio: Near the northeast corner, this area is close to the hatchery and the eastern spillway, making it a critical point of interest.
  • The Channels: The marked Boat Channels are natural travel corridors and holding areas for all predatory fish in the lake. Trolling and drift fishing here are essential.
  • The Spillways: The West Spillway and East Spillway areas create current and attract baitfish, making them high-percentage spots, especially during high-water events.
  • Shallow Flats: Saugeye often feed in surprisingly shallow water, so don't ignore the large, shallow flats and bays where the Gizzard Shad congregate.

The introduction of the saugeye is a game-changer for Grand Lake St. Marys, transforming it into one of Ohio's most exciting sport fisheries. By focusing on the ODNR's stocking timeline, mastering the techniques of vertical jigging and low-light trolling, and targeting the lake's key channels and spillways, you will be perfectly positioned to land a trophy when the new generation of 15-inch saugeye arrives in force in 2026.

7 Shocking Secrets About Grand Lake St. Marys Saugeye Fish That Will Change Your Next Fishing Trip
grand lake st marys saugeye fish
grand lake st marys saugeye fish

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