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Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar are Ohio's most common gar species, found throughout both Lake Erie and Ohio River drainages. These prehistoric fish are ambush predators that primarily feed on small fish like minnows and gizzard shad, occasionally taking insects and crustaceans.

Physical Characteristics:
  • These prehistoric fish are easily distinguished by their extremely long, narrow snout (often three times the head length) filled with needle-like teeth, and their torpedo-shaped body covered in diamond-shaped ganoid scales.
  • They typically measure 24-36 inches and weigh 2-7 pounds, though Ohio's state record reached 49 inches and 25 pounds from the Ohio River in 1966.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout both Lake Erie and Ohio River drainages.
  • They inhabit medium to large rivers preferring areas with little or no current and clear water, plus Lake Erie's harbors, bays, and backwaters.

Key Locations

  • Prime Ohio locations include the Olentangy River, Big Darby Creek, Big Walnut Creek, and Caesar Creek tailwaters.
  • Caesar Creek Dam tailwaters are particularly productive during summer when outflows are minimal, with gar hanging in slow current near gravel bars.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on slow-moving or stagnant backwaters, quiet pools below dams, weedy bays in Lake Erie, and areas with fallen trees or vegetation for ambush cover.

Longnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Longnose Gar in Ohio?

Rope flies or frayed nylon lures, treble hooks (#8 size) with live minnows under a bobber, small in-line spinners and minnowbaits.

When is the best time to fish for Longnose Gar in Ohio?

The best fishing for Longnose Gar in Ohio occurs during hot, clear summer days from July through August when water temperatures reach the 70-80°F range.

How do you catch Longnose Gar in Ohio?

Traditional hook-and-line fishing is challenging due to their bony mouths, so specialized techniques are most effective. Rope flies or frayed nylon lures work excellently - the gar's teeth become entangled in the unbraided fibers, allowing you to land them without hooks.

What do Longnose Gar eat?

They primarily feed on small fish like minnows and gizzard shad, occasionally taking insects and crustaceans.

Where do Longnose Gar live in Ohio?

Found throughout both Lake Erie and Ohio River drainages. They inhabit medium to large rivers preferring areas with little or no current and clear water, plus Lake Erie's harbors, bays, and backwaters.

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