Wind River Sauger Conservation

Wind River sauger are a multi-jurisdictional species that is cooperatively managed between the Tribes of the Wind River Indian Reservation and the State of Wyoming. Adult sauger reside and spawn in water of the Wind River Reservation while many juvenile sauger rear in Boysen Reservoir, a state managed water. Declines in juvenile recruitment of Wind River sauger prompted a wild spawning operation from 2010 until 2016 in an effort to augment the population until the cause of recruitment deficiencies could be identified. Wind River sauger are known for their large body sizes and longevity, the oldest aged sauger being 19 years old. The Wind River watershed in west central Wyoming encompasses 4,390 miles of habitat including Boysen Reservoir and the Wind, Little Wind, and Popo Agie rivers upstream from Boysen Reservoir. Elevation ranges from 5,151 feet in the Popo Agie River near Lander, Wyoming to 4,708 feet at Boysen Reservoir.