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Spotted Gar

Spotted Gar

Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) in Indiana are moderately-sized predatory fish that are occasional in the southern part of the state and common in the north.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus oculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Reaching up to 3 feet in length and growing about 10 inches in their first year, reaching 20 inches by their third year.
  • They're distinguished by their olive-brown to black coloration above and white to yellow underneath, with distinctive olive-brown to black spots covering their body, head, and all fins - unlike shortnose gar which only have spots on tail and back fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabiting rivers, streams, creeks, inland lakes, reservoirs, sloughs, and marshes.
  • They prefer slow, calm pools in rivers and streams rather than fast-moving waters.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on weedy areas, submerged branches, backwaters, and areas below dams where gar ambush prey.
  • Using vegetation and branches as cover for ambush predation.

Spotted Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include frayed nylon rope flies that tangle in their teeth, shallow-running crankbaits in bold colors like red, yellow, and chartreuse with black lines, small in-line spinners, and minnowbaits. Live bait options include minnows under floats or cut bait.

What flies work for Spotted Gar in Indiana?

Try smaller patterns like Clouser's Swimming Nymph, damsel nymphs, woolly buggers, and even terrestrial patterns like grasshoppers since gar consume beetles and other insects.

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

Action typically starting in late May and lasting into September. Avoid fishing during spawning period from early to mid-April until the end of May.

How do you catch Spotted Gar in Indiana?

When a gar takes your bait, give slack immediately to allow nylon lures to tangle in teeth or hooks to find soft tissue, avoiding the hard, bony snout area. Bow fishing and spearing are also effective methods.

What do Spotted Gar eat?

Young gar eat insects, insect larvae, crustaceans, and small fish, while adults feed mostly on fish including minnows and small forage fish. They're ambush predators that lie very still near the surface waiting for prey, then quickly grab fish and swallow them head first.

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