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Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar in Iowa are distinctive prehistoric fish that are widely distributed but rare in numbers - typically a single fish makes up an interior stream collection.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinctive prehistoric fish with olive to dark green coloring above and white or silvery below, featuring large round black spots on their dorsal, anal, and caudal fins.
  • Their bodies are covered with thick diamond-shaped scales and their most recognizable feature is an extended snout that's 15-20 times longer than its width.
  • They can live up to 30 years and reach maximum lengths of 56 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Iowa, Longnose Gar are widely distributed but rare in numbers.
  • They prefer slow-moving waters, backwaters, and areas with structure like vegetation, stone outcrops, or downed trees.

Key Locations

  • Key Iowa locations include Missouri River sections from Sioux City to the state line, Mississippi River pools, Spirit Lake, the Okoboji lakes, and major river systems.
  • They inhabit the Mississippi River pools (16-19), Missouri River sections, major rivers like the Cedar, Iowa, Des Moines, and Little Sioux, as well as natural lakes including Spirit Lake and both East and West Okoboji lakes.

Specific Spots

  • Target them in backwaters, weedy bends, areas below dams, shallow bays with vegetation, and around structure.

Longnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Longnose Gar in Iowa?

Effective lures include shallow-diving crankbaits, small in-line spinners, spoons, jigs, spinnerbaits, and minnowbaits. Live minnows presented under a float work well.

What flies work for Longnose Gar in Iowa?

Use streamers 3-5 inches long. Essential for fly fishing is using rope flies (hookless flies made from unbraided nylon rope) that tangle in their teeth, or traditional streamers with small barbless treble hook trailers attached with wire.

When is the best time to fish for Longnose Gar in Iowa?

Summer months, particularly July and August. Avoid May and June during their spawning period.

How do you catch Longnose Gar in Iowa?

Sight-fishing is most productive. Use polarized sunglasses to spot fish in shallow water. Fish slowly and quietly with electric motors on low speeds. When using rope flies, let the gar chew for several seconds before applying pressure.

What do Longnose Gar eat?

These ancient fish are primarily piscivorous, with fish making up the main portion of their diet, supplemented by crayfish and insects.

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