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Shortnose Gar

Shortnose Gar

Shortnose Gar in Oklahoma are primitive freshwater fish characterized by their short, broad bill with few or no spots, distinguishing them from spotted and longnose gar.

These ancient predators are covered in tough, diamond-shaped ganoid scales and possess a primitive lung that allows them to gulp air and survive in low-oxygen conditions.

Physical Characteristics:
  • They typically reach 24-35 inches and weigh 5-7 pounds.
  • Covered in tough, diamond-shaped ganoid scales.
  • Short, broad bill with few or no spots, distinguishing them from spotted and longnose gar.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit calm waters in large rivers, backwaters, oxbow lakes, and large quiet pools, typically around vegetation or downed logs.

Key Locations

  • Found throughout the state's rivers and lakes, including the Arkansas River system.
  • Oklahoma's state record being a 7-pound fish caught at Atoka Reservoir.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas with submerged logs, vegetation beds, and river backwaters.
  • Target calm backwater areas of rivers, oxbow lakes, large quiet pools, and areas around vegetation or downed logs.

Shortnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Shortnose Gar in Oklahoma?

Gar-specific flies with nylon rope trailing behind the hook - the rope tangles in their teeth since traditional hooks can't penetrate their bony mouths.

How do you catch Shortnose Gar in Oklahoma?

Effective techniques include sight-fishing by watching for surface activity, still fishing with live minnows under floats, drift fishing, trolling, and casting spoons or spinner baits. For fly fishing, present flies with subtle movements, almost like jigging for bass, and wait for the fish to pick it up.

What do Shortnose Gar eat?

Shortnose gar are ambush predators with diverse diets, feeding primarily on fish but also consuming significant amounts of crayfish, insects, terrestrial invertebrates, and amphibians - eating more invertebrates than any other gar species.

Where do Shortnose Gar live in Oklahoma?

They inhabit calm waters in large rivers, backwaters, oxbow lakes, and large quiet pools, typically around vegetation or downed logs.

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