Saugeye
Stocked saugeye rebounded since ~2017 — a real Hoover target for low-light trolling and casting.
Season
- Spring: shallow low-light bites as water warms.
- Summer: dawn/dusk and night; deeper by day.
- Fall: strong feed along breaks.
- Winter: slower, deeper presentations.
Time of day
Night and twilight are strengths — soft plastics and crankbaits along breaks. Daytime possible in stained water or deep.
Where on Hoover
- Channel edges and breaks on the ODNR 894 map (reference).
- Points near public ramps; lower lake structure by boat.
- Bank: cast along drops near Walnut / public riprap where safe.
Limits reminder — verify
| Rule | Reminder (verify 2026–27) |
|---|---|
| Walleye / sauger / saugeye combined | Daily 6 |
| Minimum size (statewide table) | None listed on statewide table in 2026–27 PDF — some lakes differ; verify HuntFish OH for Hoover |
Gear
- Medium spinning/baitcasting, 8–12 lb.
- Boat (≤10 hp): slow troll or cast breaks; bank: long casts along drop.
- Headlamp for night unhooking.
Bait & presentation
- Twister tails, paddle-tails, crankbaits, jerkbaits in low light.
- Night: darker or glow trailers; keep retrieves steady.
Notes
ODNR: saugeye stocked; rebounded since ~2017. Aggregate with walleye/sauger for the daily 6.
Unofficial notebook only — not ODNR / City of Columbus / USGS. License required ages 16+. Confirm regs before you keep fish.