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Alligator Gar

Alligator Gar

Mississippi's largest gar species and among the largest freshwater fish in North America. Once widespread throughout the Mississippi River system, alligator gar populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss and historical eradication efforts.

Scientific Name: Atractosteus spatula

Physical Characteristics:
  • Capable of reaching over 9 feet in length and weighing over 300 pounds.
  • They have a distinctive broad, alligator-like snout with two rows of large teeth on the upper jaw, a cylindrical olive-brown body with lighter belly, and dark spots on their fins.
  • Their ganoid scales form nearly impenetrable armor-like protection.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Now most common in south Mississippi waters, particularly the Mississippi River system, oxbow lakes, bayous, and estuaries.
  • They inhabit large river systems but can also be found in brackish waters.

Key Locations

  • Mississippi River system, oxbow lakes like Lake Chotard, bayous, and estuaries in south Mississippi.
  • Mississippi River near Natchez.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas with deep cuts, structure, muddy or clay bottoms, and slow-moving waters with vegetation that provide ambush points.

Alligator Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Alligator Gar in Mississippi?

Live or cut shad, mullet, common carp, smallmouth buffalo, shiners, suckers, and perch presented on circle hooks. Artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs can work in shallow water.

When is the best time to fish for Alligator Gar in Mississippi?

Best time is during hot summer months when they're most active. Spring and fall can also be productive, but avoid late spring spawning periods (mid-May to mid-June).

How do you catch Alligator Gar in Mississippi?

Patient bottom fishing technique - let the gar pick up and hold the bait before setting the hook hard to penetrate their bony mouth. Keep drag tight during hookset, then adjust for the fight. Use circle hooks with sinkers to keep bait on bottom.

What do Alligator Gar eat?

These ambush predators primarily feed on fish including buffalo, carp, and shad, though they may also consume ducks, cormorants, blue crabs in coastal areas, and other waterfowl.

Where do Alligator Gar live in Mississippi?

Now most common in south Mississippi waters, particularly the Mississippi River system, oxbow lakes, bayous, and estuaries. They inhabit large river systems but can also be found in brackish waters.

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