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Shortnose Gar

Shortnose Gar

Shortnose Gar are native freshwater fish found throughout Nebraska's Missouri River system and tributaries that flow into the Missouri.

In Nebraska, they're most common in the lower reaches of rivers but can be found well into central parts of the state depending on recent water levels. These primitive fish are ambush predators.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus platostomus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These primitive fish have elongated, torpedo-like bodies covered in armor-like ganoid scales, with brown to olive green coloration fading to yellowish sides and white bellies.
  • They're distinguished from Longnose Gar by their shorter, broader snout that's only about 5.5 times as long as its narrowest width.
  • Nebraska's rod and reel state record for Shortnose Gar stands at less than 10 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Nebraska's Missouri River system and tributaries that flow into the Missouri.
  • Most common in the lower reaches of rivers but can be found well into central parts of the state depending on recent water levels.

Key Locations

  • Focus on the Missouri River system and its tributaries.
  • In Nebraska, they're found in the Missouri River, other Nebraska rivers flowing into the Missouri, and standing waters like pits, ponds, and oxbows that periodically flood.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on calm backwater areas, oxbow lakes, secondary channels, and areas near submerged vegetation or logs.
  • Fish near tributary mouths, channel bends, secondary channels, and areas with current breaks.
  • Prefer calm waters in large rivers and backwaters, oxbow lakes, large quiet pools, and areas with submerged vegetation or logs.

Shortnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include cut bait, minnows, spoons, spinner baits, and flies. Some anglers use rope flies that tangle in the gar's teeth, though this method is controversial.

What flies work for Shortnose Gar in Nebraska?

Effective patterns include Clouser's Swimming Nymph in olive or orange with extra flash, Damsel Fly Nymphs for weedy areas, Woolly Buggers, Crazy Charlies for piscivorous feeding, and terrestrial patterns like grasshoppers and beetles.

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

Target during summer months when they're most active, particularly July and August when water temperatures range from 70-90°F.

How do you catch Shortnose Gar in Nebraska?

Use sight-fishing techniques when possible, casting close to surfacing fish but allowing lures to remain still with occasional twitches. Techniques include drift fishing, still fishing, trolling, bait casting, and spin casting.

What do Shortnose Gar eat?

These ambush predators feed primarily on fish, though they consume more invertebrates than other gar species, including crayfish, insects, and zooplankton. Young gar feed on insect larvae and small crustaceans until reaching 1.25 inches, when fish enter their diet.

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