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Spotted Gar

Spotted Gar

Spotted Gar are primitive freshwater fish native to Michigan with a distinctive elongated body, long snout, and abundance of dark spots on their head, fins, and dart-like body.

They have diamond-shaped ganoid scales and are voracious predators that are primarily nocturnal, eating 70% of their food at night.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus oculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinctive elongated body, long snout, and abundance of dark spots on their head, fins, and dart-like body.
  • They have diamond-shaped ganoid scales and typically grow 2-3 feet in length, weighing 4-6 pounds on average.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found primarily in the southwestern corner of the state within the Lake Michigan basin.
  • They prefer clear, quiet waters with abundant aquatic vegetation in backwater areas of rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Key Locations

  • Target them in the Kalamazoo River system in Allegan County and the St.
  • Joseph River in Berrien County.
  • Historically found in waters like Mona Lake (Muskegon County), Long Lake (Kalamazoo County), and several lakes in Branch and Cass Counties, they're now mainly documented in the Kalamazoo River (Allegan County) and St.
  • Joseph River (Berrien County).

Specific Spots

  • Focus on clear, weedy backwater areas, shallow flats with vegetation, and areas with submerged logs or brush cover.

Spotted Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spoons, spinner baits, cut bait, and minnows with very sharp treble hooks (size 9/0 or 10/0).

What flies work for Spotted Gar in Michigan?

Popular fly patterns include Clouser's Swimming Nymph (in olive or orange with extra flash), damsel fly nymphs for weedy areas, woolly buggers, and even terrestrials like grasshoppers since they eat beetles and other insects.

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

Late spring through early fall, particularly during hot, clear, sunny days. Peak activity occurs from July through August when water temperatures are in the 70-90°F range.

How do you catch Spotted Gar in Michigan?

Since traditional hooks are difficult to set in their bony mouths, the most effective technique uses rope flies - hookless lures made from unraveled nylon rope that tangles in their teeth.

What do Spotted Gar eat?

Their diet consists mainly of crustaceans like crayfish (47% in some studies), along with fish species including sunfish, shiners, bass, and catfish. They also eat beetles and other insects.

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