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Shortnose Gar

Shortnose Gar

Shortnose Gar are native Illinois fish that are common throughout the state and are opportunistic ambush predators that can survive in low-oxygen, turbid conditions due to their specialized gas bladder that functions like a primitive lung, allowing them to gulp air at the surface.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus platostomus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Can grow up to 31 inches and 6+ pounds, characterized by their cylindrical bodies, diamond-shaped ganoid scales, and short snouts that are about half the length of their head.
  • They have one row of sharp teeth and olive to brown coloration with white bellies and black spots on dorsal and caudal fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in sluggish pools, backwaters, oxbows, rivers, streams, lakes, and swamps - often near vegetation and submerged logs.
  • Catch rates are highest in backwater areas compared to main channel or side channel areas.

Key Locations

  • Illinois River system, particularly the Illinois River's La Grange reach which contains particularly good populations.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on backwater areas, oxbow lakes, river bends, and shallow vegetated areas.
  • Look for areas with submerged logs, vegetation, or structure where they ambush prey.

Shortnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

In-line spinners like Lambo Lure Spinners, spinnerbaits, topwater lures, spoons, rope lures and frayed nylon patterns, live or cut bait including minnows and cut fish chunks.

What flies work for Shortnose Gar in Illinois?

Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, and specialized gar patterns like the Nylon Shad Fly or Godawful Garish Gar Grabber with nylon pantyhose materials, specialized gar flies with unbraided nylon rope fibers dressed with flash materials.

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

Summer months (July-August are peak). Avoid fishing during May-July spawning season.

How do you catch Shortnose Gar in Illinois?

Use slow, constant retrieves and sight-fish when possible - cast near but not directly at visible fish and let lures remain still with occasional twitches. Wait to set the hook as their bony jaws are difficult to penetrate. Fish early morning, evening, or night during summer heat.

What do Shortnose Gar eat?

Feed primarily on fish, crayfish, insects, and invertebrates - they consume more invertebrates than other gar species.

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