small stick baits and curl tail jigs work best for sauger when they move in but the walleyes and striper prefer larger baits like the 5" husky jerk in the clown or blue chrome patterns. I fish with 30 lb. braid because I hate when a striper runs off with my 9 dollar plug and still catch plenty of walleye and sauger. I only live 4 miles from the dam so I fish there often