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Shortnose Gar

Shortnose Gar

The Shortnose Gar is one of three gar species native to Kansas, along with Longnose and Spotted Gar. In Kansas, they primarily inhabit the larger rivers of eastern Kansas, though they are less common than Longnose Gar.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus platostomus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Shortnose Gar can be distinguished from other gar species by their shorter, broader snout (about 5.5 times as long as its narrowest width), lack of spots on the head (unlike Spotted Gar), and absence of the double row of teeth found in Alligator Gar.
  • Most Shortnose Gar in Kansas are less than 24 inches long, with the state record weighing 7.30 pounds.
  • They have a prehistoric appearance with elongated, torpedo-like bodies covered in interlocking rhomboidal ganoid scales that create flexible armor.
  • Their coloration varies from brown to olive green above, with yellowish sides and white undersides.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They primarily inhabit the larger rivers of eastern Kansas.

Key Locations

  • In Kansas, focus on the larger rivers of eastern Kansas, with Milford Reservoir being a proven productive water.

Specific Spots

  • Target calm backwater areas of large rivers, oxbow lakes, and large quiet pools, typically around vegetation or downed logs.

Shortnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include cut bait, minnows, flies, spinnerbaits, and spoons. Many anglers use rope flies or nylon thread that tangles in their fine teeth rather than relying on hooks.

What flies work for Shortnose Gar in Kansas?

Size 8-10 red squirmy worm hybrids with tungsten beadheads, or craft fur streamers.

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

Avoid fishing during their spawning period from April through May. The best time is during the hot summer months, particularly July and August when water temperatures reach 70-80°F.

How do you catch Shortnose Gar in Kansas?

Patience is essential when gar fishing - cast bait in front of visible gar and let the lure remain still with only occasional twitches. The gar will move slowly toward the bait, remaining motionless alongside it until given the smallest motion, then striking with a sudden head jerk.

What do Shortnose Gar eat?

Shortnose Gar are efficient ambush predators that consume more invertebrates than any other gar species, feeding on fish, crayfish, insects, and other invertebrates. During seasonal flooding, they exploit newly accessible floodplains to reach terrestrial prey like insects and amphibians.

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