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Shortnose Gar

Shortnose Gar

The Shortnose Gar is a primitive freshwater fish native to northern Alabama as part of its range from the Mississippi River basin south to Alabama and Texas.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus platostomus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by its relatively short, broad snout (only 5.5 times as long as its narrowest width) compared to other gar species, lacking the long snout of longnose gar, the spots of spotted gar, or the double row of teeth found in alligator gar.
  • Shortnose Gar have brown or olive green backs fading to yellowish sides and whitish bellies, with interlocking ganoid scales giving them an armored appearance.
  • They typically reach 2-3 feet in length, with maximum sizes around 35 inches and weights up to 5.7 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Alabama, they inhabit quiet pools and backwaters of creeks and rivers, swamps, lakes, and overflow areas of large streams.

Key Locations

  • Alabama's Tennessee River drainage and Mobile basin systems offer good opportunities, with the Coosa River chain mentioned specifically as productive gar water.

Specific Spots

  • Target quiet backwaters, slow-moving river sections, lake coves with little current, and areas near submerged logs and vegetation where they ambush prey.
  • Prefer slow-moving or still water with little current near vegetation and submerged logs.

Shortnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Shortnose Gar in Alabama?

Small in-line spinners, minnowbaits, spoons, spinnerbaits, live minnows under floats, cut bait and whole dead fish.

What flies work for Shortnose Gar in Alabama?

8-inch rope flies (hookless entanglement lures) that work by tangling in their teeth.

When is the best time to fish for Shortnose Gar in Alabama?

Shortnose Gar fishing peaks during summer months (July-August) when water temperatures reach 70-90°F, with late May through September offering the best opportunities.

How do you catch Shortnose Gar in Alabama?

Sight fishing is highly effective, looking for their quick porpoising rolls or snouts breaking the surface. Cast baits in front of moving fish rather than directly at them, mimicking fleeing prey.

What do Shortnose Gar eat?

Shortnose Gar are fierce ambush predators, feeding primarily on fish supplemented by crayfish and insects. Young gar start with small insects and zooplankton, transitioning to fish when they reach 1.25 inches.

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