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Spotted Gar

Spotted Gar

The Spotted Gar is Alabama's most widespread and abundant gar species, thriving in the state's diverse freshwater systems. These prehistoric fish invoke images of ancient predators.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus oculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These prehistoric fish are easily recognizable by their long, slender bodies with dark spots along their flanks, beak-like snouts filled with sharp teeth, and torpedo-shaped profile.
  • Adults typically reach 2-3 feet in length and weigh 4-6 pounds, with females growing larger than males.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit rivers, reservoirs, large and small streams, swamps, and oxbow lakes, showing remarkable adaptability to various habitats.
  • Unlike longnose gar that prefer flowing water, spotted gar favor areas with little to no current and are frequently associated with floating and attached aquatic vegetation and heavy cover.

Key Locations

  • Key Alabama locations include the Coosa River chain, Mobile-Tensaw Delta, and Tennessee River drainage system.
  • In Alabama, spotted gar are distributed throughout the Mobile basin, larger coastal drainages, Tennessee River system (including 58 documented stations), and were observed in significant numbers in Bear Creek in Colbert County.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with little to no current, focusing on shallow open waters 3-5 feet deep, stagnant backwaters, and areas near floating logs, trees, or brush cover.
  • Look for gar basking near the surface around fallen logs or lurking under floating vegetation.

Spotted Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small in-line spinners, minnowbaits, spoons, spinner baits, cut bait, and live minnows under floats.

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

The prime fishing season for spotted gar in Alabama runs from late May through September, with peak action occurring during hot, clear, sunny days when water temperatures reach 70°F or higher. July and August are considered top months.

How do you catch Spotted Gar in Alabama?

The most effective approach is using 8-inch rope flies rather than traditional hooks, as these tangle in the gar's teeth. When a gar strikes, resist the urge to set the hook immediately - instead, feed line to the fish for 8-10 seconds while maintaining slight tension, allowing the rope to become entangled in their...

What do Spotted Gar eat?

Their diet consists primarily of smaller fish like minnows and shad, but they're opportunistic hunters also consuming crustaceans (with crayfish comprising 47% of their diet in some studies), amphibians, and insects.

Where do Spotted Gar live in Alabama?

They inhabit rivers, reservoirs, large and small streams, swamps, and oxbow lakes, showing remarkable adaptability to various habitats.

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