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Alligator Gar

Alligator Gar

Arkansas's largest gar species and the second-largest freshwater fish in North America. These ancient 'living fossils' have existed for over 100 million years.

The species was historically more widespread but populations declined significantly due to habitat loss and overfishing, leading to their classification as endangered in Arkansas.

However, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has been actively managing and restocking populations since the 1970s, with current populations considered stable in key river systems.

Scientific Name: Atractosteus spatula

Physical Characteristics:
  • Capable of reaching 10 feet and weighing up to 350 pounds.
  • Distinguished by their broad, alligator-like snout with two rows of large, sharp teeth on the upper jaw, torpedo-shaped body, and nearly impenetrable diamond-shaped ganoid scales.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Arkansas, they inhabit the state's largest rivers including the Arkansas, Ouachita, Red, and White rivers.
  • Alligator Gar are euryhaline, tolerating both fresh and brackish water.

Key Locations

  • Arkansas, Ouachita, Red, and White rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on slower-moving sections, backwaters, oxbow lakes, and areas with submerged structure or vegetation.
  • Around weedy bends, below dams, and in areas with floating debris or logs where they ambush prey.

Alligator Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Alligator Gar in Arkansas?

Live or cut gizzard shad, carp, mullet, or buffalo fish - the most effective approach. Artificial lures can work, including large swimbaits, spoons, crankbaits, and topwater lures.

When is the best time to fish for Alligator Gar in Arkansas?

The best time to target Alligator Gar in Arkansas is from July through early fall and again in winter through early spring, avoiding the closed season from noon May 1 to noon July 1.

How do you catch Alligator Gar in Arkansas?

When using artificials, focus on areas where gar are visibly rolling or surfacing. Large swimbaits, spoons, crankbaits, and topwater lures retrieved slowly near structure.

What do Alligator Gar eat?

These apex predators are primarily piscivorous, feeding on gizzard shad, carp, buffalo fish, and other large fish, but also consume blue crabs, turtles, waterfowl, birds, and small mammals.

Where do Alligator Gar live in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, they inhabit the state's largest rivers including the Arkansas, Ouachita, Red, and White rivers. Alligator Gar are euryhaline, tolerating both fresh and brackish water.

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