OK, my 2 Cents:

Have fished for sauger on and off for the past 5-6 years on the Ohio river. FIRST RULE, THERE ARE NO RULES! My preference however, depending upon where I, am is to use a 3-way rig with a minow when fishing in rapid water flow, OR work a jig (silver spoon) off the bottom in semi-rapid water. In both cases I'm talking about fishing off of the bottom and at or near the "lock wall" of a dam.

Having said that, others seem to have good success casting convential jigs tipped with curley tails (white-green-etc.) while drift fishing down river from the dams.

Keep on fishing!
Gary