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Alligator Gar

Alligator Gar

Alligator Gar in Illinois are the largest freshwater fish species in the state and second largest in North America, capable of reaching 8+ feet and over 300 pounds.

They were historically native to Illinois waters, documented as far north as the Middle Illinois River below Peoria and in rivers like the Kaskaskia, but were declared extirpated in 1994 after the last confirmed catch in the Cache-Mississippi River Diversion Channel in 1966.

Since 2010, Illinois has been actively restocking these prehistoric fish through a reintroduction program, with current populations in the southern 2/3 of the state's waters including the lower Kaskaskia River, Powerton Lake, and other approved locations.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from other gar by their short, broad alligator-like snout and two rows of sharp canine teeth in the upper jaw, they display dark olive-green coloration dorsally fading to gray or white below, with black spots on dorsal, caudal, and anal fins.
  • Capable of reaching 8+ feet and over 300 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer large rivers with backwater areas, pools, swamps, and lakes with slow-moving water and vegetation for cover.

Key Locations

  • Current populations in the southern 2/3 of the state's waters including the lower Kaskaskia River, Powerton Lake, and other approved locations.
  • Historically documented as far north as the Middle Illinois River below Peoria and in rivers like the Kaskaskia.

Specific Spots

  • Target river bends, backwaters, deep holes adjacent to structure, weedy areas, and areas with muddy bottoms.

Alligator Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

For bait, use live or cut gizzard shad, common carp, mullet, shiners, suckers, or channel catfish. Lures include soft plastics, spoons, large swimbaits, crankbaits, and topwater plugs in shallow areas.

What flies work for Alligator Gar in Illinois?

Patterns like Clouser's Swimming Nymph, Woolly Buggers, damselfly nymphs, or large articulated streamers like Fluegenzombie.

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

Hot summer months (July-August) when water temperatures reach 70-90°F and fish are most active, with late spring through early fall also productive. Spawning occurs April-June when water temperatures reach 73°F - a time when fishing pressure should be avoided.

How do you catch Alligator Gar in Illinois?

Use weighted bottom rigs for bait. Retrieve lures slowly. When a fish takes bait, allow it to run 10-100 yards before setting the hook, as they hold bait in their mouth before swallowing.

What do Alligator Gar eat?

These opportunistic ambush predators primarily feed on gizzard shad, though their diet includes channel catfish, freshwater drum, bluegill, white bass, largemouth bass, common carp, and occasionally waterfowl and small mammals.

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