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Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar (Lepisosteus osseus) are among Arkansas's most recognizable freshwater fish, distinguished by their elongated torpedo-shaped bodies, diamond-shaped ganoid scales that form armor-like protection, and extremely long snouts that are 11.

5+ times longer than their width at the nostrils. These ancient fish retain primitive features like a vascularized swim bladder that functions as a lung, allowing them to gulp air and survive in low-oxygen waters that would kill most fish.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus osseus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their elongated torpedo-shaped bodies, diamond-shaped ganoid scales that form armor-like protection, and extremely long snouts that are 11.5+ times longer than their width at the nostrils.
  • Females reach 6+ feet and can weigh over 35 pounds - the current Arkansas state record is 35 pounds, 12 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found statewide and inhabit diverse waters including the Arkansas River, Ouachita River, White River, Mississippi River drainage, plus bayous, oxbow lakes, swamps, streams, rivers, and reservoirs throughout both Coastal Plain and Interior Highlands regions.

Key Locations

  • Arkansas River, Ouachita River, White River, Mississippi River drainage, plus bayous, oxbow lakes, swamps, streams, rivers, and reservoirs throughout both Coastal Plain and Interior Highlands regions.
  • Taylor Old River Lake (where state record was caught).

Specific Spots

  • Target sluggish river areas including dam tailwaters, outside stream bends, sandbar channel edges, tributary mouths, plus woody edges and weedy cover in lakes and backwaters.
  • Adults prefer sluggish backwater pools over moving water, while juveniles hide in vegetated backwaters.

Longnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Topwater plugs work exceptionally well - cast baitfish-imitation plugs past visible gar and keep the lure completely motionless except for minor twitches. Live minnows under floats are highly effective, as are cut bait, in-line spinners, spoons, jigs, and spinnerbaits.

What flies work for Longnose Gar in Arkansas?

Two main fly approaches work: rope flies that tangle in their dense teeth, and stinger hook flies with streamers followed by trailing hooks. White baitfish patterns work well.

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

Summer months provide ideal longnose gar fishing. May and June is spawning period to avoid fishing for them.

How do you catch Longnose Gar in Arkansas?

Set the hook with hard upward rod thrusts to penetrate their bony snouts. For fly fishing, let them eat the fly and run 10-20 feet before setting - don't strip-set immediately on the initial bump. You can use spinning, baitcasting, drift fishing, trolling, still fishing, or fly fishing techniques.

What do Longnose Gar eat?

Opportunistic apex predators that primarily eat fish - in Arkansas waters they consume gizzard shad, catfish, sunfish, shiners, and various minnows.

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