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Spotted Gar

Spotted Gar

The Spotted Gar is a Coastal Plain inhabitant in Arkansas, living in heavily vegetated, clear waters in most rivers of this region.

These primitive fish possess a vascularized swim bladder that functions as a lung, allowing them to surface periodically for air and survive in low-oxygen environments.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus oculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Smaller than their alligator gar cousins, spotted gar are olive-colored with dark spots covering the body, head, pectoral and pelvic fins, reaching maximum lengths of about 114 cm (45 inches).

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Coastal Plain inhabitant in Arkansas, living in heavily vegetated, clear waters in most rivers of this region.
  • They prefer shallow, clear, slow-moving waters with abundant vegetation and cover.

Key Locations

  • Key Arkansas locations include the Arkansas River system, Mississippi River backwaters, and Coastal Plain tributaries.
  • In Arkansas waters, they inhabit the Arkansas, Mississippi, Ouachita, St.
  • Francis, and White rivers.
  • The Arkansas record is a 6 lb, 12 oz specimen from Mellwood Old River in Phillips County.

Specific Spots

  • Target heavily vegetated, clear waters in Coastal Plain rivers, particularly areas with abundant cover like submerged branches, floating logs, or overhanging trees.
  • Look for shallow, weedy flats bordering deeper water, isolated weedy bays, and areas just below dams.

Spotted Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Rope flies (though controversial), small in-line spinners, minnow baits, live minnows under floats, spoons, and spinner baits. Cut bait and live minnows are effective natural baits.

What flies work for Spotted Gar in Arkansas?

Downsize your flies contrary to expectations - use patterns like Clouser's Swimming Nymph (olive or orange with extra flash), damsel fly nymphs, woolly buggers, Crazy Charlies, and even terrestrial patterns like beetles and grasshoppers.

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

Late spring through early summer (May through August), with peak activity occurring when water temperatures reach 70-80°F.

How do you catch Spotted Gar in Arkansas?

When sight fishing, cast parallel to the gar's position, placing the fly behind their line of sight, then strip slowly past their eye. Practice patience as gar can be elusive, and be prepared to feed line to allow them to fully take the bait before setting the hook.

What do Spotted Gar eat?

Spotted gar are lie-in-wait apex predators that feed primarily on fishes, crayfish, and aquatic insects, with studies showing 47% of their diet consists of crayfish in some populations. They're primarily nocturnal feeders, consuming 70% of their food intake at night compared to dusk and dawn.

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