Skip to main content

Spotted Gar

Spotted Gar

Spotted Gar is a native Kansas species and the smallest of the three gar species found in the state.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus oculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • They typically measure 2-3 feet in length and weigh 4-6 pounds.
  • Spotted gar are distinguished by their elongated, dart-like bodies covered in thick, diamond-shaped ganoid scales and abundant dark spots on their head, fins, and body.
  • They have needle-like teeth in an elongated snout designed for catching fish and crustaceans.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer clear, slow-moving, shallow waters of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs with abundant aquatic vegetation.

Key Locations

  • In Kansas, spotted gar are primarily found in the southeastern region, with Big Hill Reservoir in Labette County being a prime location.
  • Target Big Hill Reservoir in Labette County, which has produced the state record, along with other southeastern Kansas waters.

Specific Spots

  • Look for shallow areas (3-5 feet deep) with heavy vegetation, submerged logs, fallen trees, and brush cover near deeper water.
  • They prefer areas with submerged branches and dense vegetation for cover.

Spotted Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait like minnows, cut bait, spoons, and spinner baits. Topwater plugs and baitfish-imitation lures.

What flies work for Spotted Gar in Kansas?

Use specialized rope flies (hookless entanglement lures) that tangle in their teeth - these are highly effective when cast near surfacing gar.

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

Hot summer months, particularly July and August, when water temperatures reach 70-90°F. Spawn in spring (April-June) when water temperatures reach 69-79°F in shallow, vegetated areas - this period should be avoided for fishing.

How do you catch Spotted Gar in Kansas?

Effective techniques include sight-fishing with topwater plugs and baitfish-imitation lures, casting near surfacing fish and keeping the lure motionless except for minor twitches. Other productive approaches include drift fishing, bait casting, and spin casting.

What do Spotted Gar eat?

The species is a voracious ambush predator that feeds primarily on small fish (including golden topminnow, warmouth, bluegill, and spotted sunfish), shrimp, crayfish, and aquatic invertebrates. They consume 70% of their food at night.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Spotted Gar.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Spotted Gar water

    Pick Spotted Gar and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Spotted Gar

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Spotted Gar are.

Open the map, filter by Spotted Gar, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Kansas licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore Kansas waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.