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Spotted Gar

Spotted Gar

Spotted Gar are primitive freshwater predators found in North Carolina's rivers and creeks, though they are not as common in the state as in southern waters.

These ancient fish are well-adapted to low-oxygen environments due to their ability to gulp air through a specialized gas bladder.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus oculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These ancient fish are characterized by their elongated, dart-like bodies covered in diamond-shaped ganoid scales, with distinctive brown spots on their head, fins, and olive-green to brown coloration.
  • They typically grow 2-3 feet in length and weigh 4-6 pounds, with some specimens reaching up to 55 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In North Carolina, they inhabit clear, slow-moving, shallow waters of creeks and rivers, particularly areas with aquatic vegetation, submerged branches, and overhanging cover.

Key Locations

  • Prime locations include the Neuse River, Cape Fear River, Deep River, White Oak River around Stella, Roanoke River, and the New River in Jacksonville.

Specific Spots

  • Look for them in shallow, vegetated areas near deeper water, around weedy bends, backwaters, creek mouths, and areas with submerged branches or fallen trees.
  • They prefer shoreline-oriented areas with dense vegetation and avoid exposed banks.

Spotted Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live and cut baits work exceptionally well - use minnows, finger mullet, or small cut bait suspended 1-2 feet below a small bobber. For lures, try silver minnow crankbaits (DT4), small spoons, Pet 13 spoons on shad rigs, Senko soft plastics, and spinnerbaits.

What flies work for Spotted Gar in North Carolina?

Fly anglers should focus on smaller patterns contrary to conventional wisdom - Clouser's Swimming Nymph in olive or orange, damselfly nymph patterns, Woolly Buggers, Crazy Charlie patterns, and terrestrial patterns like grasshoppers and beetle imitations work well.

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

Warmer months from late spring through early fall, particularly July and August, with end of March through April being productive during the shad and striper runs. Spawning period (April-June) should be avoided to protect the fishery.

How do you catch Spotted Gar in North Carolina?

Practice sight fishing techniques, casting across or parallel to the fish's line of sight, and maintain constant pressure once hooked to keep the hook engaged in their bony jaw structure.

What do Spotted Gar eat?

Their diet consists primarily of fish (golden topminnow, warmouth, bluegill, spotted sunfish), crustaceans including crayfish (which can make up 47% of their diet), and aquatic insects.

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