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Alligator Gar

Alligator Gar

The Alligator Gar is Missouri's largest freshwater fish and among North America's most impressive predators. These prehistoric 'living fossils' are apex predators that are beneficial for controlling invasive Asian carp populations.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Growing up to 10 feet long and weighing over 300 pounds.
  • They have torpedo-shaped bodies, broad alligator-like snouts, and dual rows of razor-sharp teeth on their upper jaws.
  • Their olive to brown coloration with darker spots provides excellent camouflage in Missouri's murky waters.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Once native to the Missouri and Mississippi river systems.
  • Now extremely rare, with Missouri Department of Conservation actively restocking Alligator Gar in the Mississippi Lowlands area of Southeast Missouri since 2007, with over 480 fish stocked in recent years.

Key Locations

  • Focus on Southeast Missouri's Mississippi River system, particularly the Mississippi Lowlands area where recent stocking efforts have occurred, including the Headwater Diversion Channel in Cape Girardeau County.

Specific Spots

  • Look for slower-moving waters, backwaters, oxbow lakes, and areas with good current flow near deep pools.
  • Target areas below dams, around weedy bends, and backwaters.
  • During spawning season, they seek out swamps and floodplain areas with aquatic vegetation for e.g.g laying.

Alligator Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Cut bait works exceptionally well, particularly 4-inch chunks of carp, gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo, or mullet. Live bait including shad, suckers, and perch are also effective. Artificial options include large soft plastics, spoons that can bounce along bottom, and topwater plugs in shallow areas.

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

Target during summer months (July-August) when they're most active. They spawn from mid-May to mid-June when water temperatures exceed 70°F (avoid fishing during this critical reproduction period).

How do you catch Alligator Gar in Missouri?

Present baits on the bottom with patience - Alligator Gar are cautious feeders that will hold bait in their mouths before swallowing, so delay your hookset. Bowfishing is popular and effective when sight-fishing.

What do Alligator Gar eat?

These apex predators are opportunistic ambush feeders that primarily consume forage fish like gizzard shad, but also eat blue crabs, waterfowl, turtles, and small mammals.

Where do Alligator Gar live in Missouri?

Once native to the Missouri and Mississippi river systems. Now extremely rare, with Missouri Department of Conservation actively restocking Alligator Gar in the Mississippi Lowlands area of Southeast Missouri since 2007, with over 480 fish stocked in recent years.

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