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Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar are native to South Carolina and found statewide in river mainstems. These primitive fish can use their swim bladder as a lung, allowing them to survive in waters with poor quality and low oxygen levels that other species cannot tolerate.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus osseus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These primitive fish have distinctive long, narrow forceps-like jaws more than twice the length of their head, with olive brown to green coloration and scattered dark oval spots on their body and fins.
  • In South Carolina waters, they typically average 2½ to 3 feet in length and weigh around 4 pounds, though the state bowfishing record is 25 pounds 6 ounces from Lake Murray (2008) and the largest ever caught was 28 pounds 8 ounces from Lake Moultrie (2015).
  • Females growing larger than males.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found statewide in river mainstems.
  • They inhabit sluggish or slow-moving waters, rivers, and reservoirs throughout the state.

Key Locations

  • Great Pee Dee River, Edisto River Basin, Broad River, Congaree River, and Saluda River systems.
  • Lake Moultrie and Lake Murray have produced record fish and offer excellent opportunities.

Specific Spots

  • Look for gar in backwaters, shallow bays, weedy flats, areas near downed trees and vegetation, and around docks and structures.
  • In rivers, target areas below dams, weedy bends, and calm backwater sections.

Longnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small live baits, cut bait, minnows, shiners, small jigs, spinner baits, spoons, or crankbaits.

How do you catch Longnose Gar in South Carolina?

The most effective method is using hookless rope flies - when using rope flies, allow the gar to chew on the fly for several seconds after the strike before applying steady pressure to let their teeth tangle in the rope fibers.

What do Longnose Gar eat?

Longnose gar are strictly piscivorous, feeding primarily on fish and occasionally insects and small crustaceans. They're most active as night feeders, using their needle-sharp teeth to ambush prey.

Where do Longnose Gar live in South Carolina?

Found statewide in river mainstems. They inhabit sluggish or slow-moving waters, rivers, and reservoirs throughout the state.

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