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Shortnose Gar

Shortnose Gar

Shortnose Gar are prehistoric freshwater predators native to Minnesota's larger river systems. These elongated fish are distinguished from Longnose Gar by their proportionally shorter, broader snouts and lack the extensive spotting patterns of Spotted Gar.

They are covered in hard, diamond-shaped ganoid scales and possess a specialized swim bladder that allows them to gulp air at the surface, enabling survival in warm, oxygen-poor backwaters where other fish cannot thrive.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus platostomus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically reach 24-35 inches in Minnesota, with the state record being a 31-inch fish caught in the Minnesota River in 2017.
  • Covered in hard, diamond-shaped ganoid scales.
  • Distinguished by proportionally shorter, broader snouts compared to Longnose Gar and lack the extensive spotting patterns of Spotted Gar.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to Minnesota's larger river systems, primarily the Mississippi, St.
  • Croix, and Minnesota Rivers and their tributaries.

Key Locations

  • Southern Minnesota's larger rivers including the Mississippi, St.
  • Croix, and Minnesota Rivers and their tributaries.
  • Target areas just below dams, power plant warm water discharges.

Specific Spots

  • Backwaters, oxbows, and areas with minimal current near vegetation and submerged logs.
  • Calm backwaters, oxbow lakes, areas with less current.
  • Weedy bends, large weedy flats bordering deep water, isolated bays, and creek mouths.

Shortnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small in-line spinners, minnowbaits, spoons, and spinner baits. Live bait options include minnows under floats, cut bait, and crayfish.

What flies work for Shortnose Gar in Minnesota?

Clouser's Swimming Nymph (olive or orange with flash), Woolly Buggers, Damsel Nymph patterns, Crazy Charlies, and terrestrial patterns like grasshoppers and beetles. Downsize flies for better success as these opportunistic feeders readily take smaller patterns that mimic their invertebrate prey.

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

Late May through September when water temperatures exceed 70°F, with July and August being prime months. Avoid spawning periods (April-June when water reaches 61-70°F).

How do you catch Shortnose Gar in Minnesota?

Traditional hook-and-line methods work but require patience due to their bony mouths. Present baits with slow, steady retrieves near structure. Bowfishing has grown popular and accounts for most gar harvest in Minnesota. Sight-fishing is effective when they're surface-oriented.

What do Shortnose Gar eat?

Primarily piscivorous ambush predators but highly opportunistic, consuming more invertebrates than other gar species including crayfish, insects, amphibians, and terrestrial invertebrates during seasonal flooding.

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