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Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar are primitive predatory fish abundant throughout Louisiana's waters, inhabiting everything from freshwater rivers and lakes to brackish coastal areas with salinities up to 31 ppt.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus osseus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These elongated fish are easily identified by their needle-like snout that's nearly three times the length of their head, torpedo-shaped body armored with diamond-shaped ganoid scales, and rows of sharp cone-shaped teeth.
  • They grow to impressive sizes of 28-72 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabiting everything from freshwater rivers and lakes to brackish coastal areas with salinities up to 31 ppt.
  • In Louisiana's coastal areas, they move between freshwater and saltwater environments, often found around river mouths and in higher-salinity waters.

Key Locations

  • Found in major river systems like the Mississippi River drainage, coastal bayous, oxbow lakes, Lake Pontchartrain, and throughout the state's extensive wetland systems.
  • Fish shallow, weedy areas of bayous, oxbow lakes off the Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain, and coastal marshes.

Specific Spots

  • Look for them around structure like submerged logs, vegetation beds, and river bends with slower water.
  • Target shallow, weedy areas where they ambush prey around structure like downed trees, vegetation, and stone outcrops.

Longnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include small in-line spinners, minnowbaits, and live minnows under floats.

What flies work for Longnose Gar in Louisiana?

The most effective flies are rope flies made from unbraided nylon rope (6-9 inches long) that tangle in their teeth since their bony jaws are nearly impossible to hook conventionally.

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

The prime fishing season runs from late May through September, with the hottest summer months of July and August providing the best action when water temperatures reach 70-90°F. Fishing should be avoided from April through July during spawning season to protect spawning populations.

How do you catch Longnose Gar in Louisiana?

For fly fishing, when sight-fishing, cast the fly a few feet beyond and in front of the fish, then strip slowly. Critical technique: when a gar takes the fly, don't set the hook immediately - let them chew on it for 8-10 seconds to allow rope flies to tangle in their teeth, then apply steady pressure.

What do Longnose Gar eat?

Opportunistic apex predators feeding primarily on small fish (making up 60-98% of their diet), including gizzard shad, menhaden, shiners, and various baitfish, but also consume insects, crustaceans, and amphibians. In coastal areas, they pursue menhaden.

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