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Shortnose Gar

Shortnose Gar

The Shortnose Gar is the smallest gar species in Arkansas and common inhabitants of pools and quiet backwaters of Arkansas Coastal Plain rivers. As ambush predators, they lie motionless and require patience when fishing for them.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus platostomus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically reaching lengths of 2 feet or less and weighing up to 5 pounds.
  • They have a short, broad snout (snout width going into length 4.6 to 7.1 times) and are brown or olive green on top, fading to yellowish sides and a whitish belly.
  • Unlike other gar species, they lack the upper jaw of alligator gar, the long snout of longnose gar, and the distinctive markings of spotted gar.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Common inhabitants of pools and quiet backwaters of Arkansas Coastal Plain rivers.
  • They prefer slow, silty or clear-water rivers, wave-washed shoals of large lakes, and river backwaters.

Key Locations

  • Arkansas, Mississippi, Ouachita, St.
  • Francis, and White rivers, as well as Lake Dardanelle where the state record was caught.

Specific Spots

  • Look for them near vegetation, submerged logs, and floating debris where they ambush prey.

Shortnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Use cut bait, live minnows, or live crayfish (the state record was caught using live crayfish). Lures that work include spoons and spinnerbaits.

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

Best fishing is during summer months (June-August) when they're most active in warmer waters. Avoid targeting them during spawning period from April to June.

How do you catch Shortnose Gar in Arkansas?

Effective techniques include drift fishing, trolling, still fishing, fly fishing, bait casting, and spin casting.

What do Shortnose Gar eat?

They primarily feed on fish but also consume crayfish and emerging insects, with young gar eating small insects and zooplankton before transitioning to fish when they reach 1.25 inches.

Where do Shortnose Gar live in Arkansas?

Common inhabitants of pools and quiet backwaters of Arkansas Coastal Plain rivers. They prefer slow, silty or clear-water rivers, wave-washed shoals of large lakes, and river backwaters.

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