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Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar are one of two gar species native to Michigan waters, with Spotted Gar being the second species found primarily in southern Michigan. These prehistoric fish have existed for 100 million years.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus osseus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Longnose Gar are long, slender fish with distinct elongated snouts filled with sharp teeth, cylindrical bodies covered in thick diamond-shaped ganoid scales, and can reach 3-6 feet in length.
  • They have olive-brown coloration with white underbellies and dark spots on fins and body.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Commonly found in all of Michigan's Great Lakes except Lake Superior.
  • They also inhabit marshes, lakes, rivers, slow-moving streams, and areas with abundant aquatic vegetation or submerged woody debris.
  • In Northern Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula Michigan, they're found in lakes, large rivers, and backwater areas.

Key Locations

  • Prime Michigan waters include the western basin of Lake Erie, Muskegon Lake, lower Grand River, Maple River, Wabasis Lake, and Kent Lake.
  • The Michigan state record is 18 pounds and 53 inches, caught in 1995 from Williamsville Lake in Livingston County.

Specific Spots

  • They congregate in deep river holes, deep water in nutrient-rich inland lakes, large rivers, and Great Lakes waters.
  • Target areas with brush, shallow waters, weedy flats bordering deep water, and around structure.

Longnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Hookless flies, rope replacing spinner hooks, or nylon rope lures work best. Jerkbaits, X-Raps, Flicker Shads, and Rattle Traps also produce fish. Live minnows with slip floats using small hooks (size 8-12). Some anglers use small sections of pantyhose filled with bait.

What flies work for Longnose Gar in Michigan?

Streamers with trailer treble hooks. Popular patterns include bucktail streamers and basic streamer patterns in 3-5 inch lengths.

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

Late summer (July-August) provides the best fishing. Avoid fishing during spawning periods (May-June) when they're in shallow vegetation areas.

How do you catch Longnose Gar in Michigan?

The most effective technique uses nylon rope or twine that tangles in their teeth rather than hooks, since their extremely bony heads make hook sets nearly impossible. Test rope effectiveness by running a comb through it - if comb teeth catch in unraveled fibers, so will gar teeth.

What do Longnose Gar eat?

These ambush predators primarily feed on smaller fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, using excellent camouflage and stealth to lie in wait for prey. Their diet includes bluegill, perch, catfish, menhaden, sunfish, and crustaceans.

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