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Spotted Gar

Spotted Gar

Spotted Gar are native Tennessee fish found primarily in the state's western waters, particularly in the Mississippi River basin. These prehistoric predators have heavily armored bodies and elongated snouts filled with needle-like teeth.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus oculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by dark spots on their head and body, a shorter and wider snout compared to Longnose Gar, and diamond-shaped ganoid scales.
  • Typically grow 2-3 feet long, weighing 4-6 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found primarily in the state's western waters, particularly in the Mississippi River basin.

Key Locations

  • Mississippi River, Obion River, Forked Deer, Hatchie River, Loosahatchie River, Wolf River, and historically Reelfoot Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on clear, slow-moving backwaters, river bends, weedy bays, and quiet pools with abundant aquatic vegetation.
  • Fish areas near fallen logs, submerged branches, and vegetated shorelines while avoiding exposed banks.

Spotted Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait like minnows under floats, cut bait, small spoons, spinner baits, and topwater plugs with treble hooks. Some anglers use rope flies (unbraided nylon rope) that tangle in gar teeth, though this method is controversial.

What flies work for Spotted Gar in Tennessee?

Use smaller patterns contrary to conventional wisdom: Clouser's Swimming Nymph in olive or orange with extra flash, damsel fly nymphs for weedy areas, weightless woolly buggers, terrestrials like beetles and grasshoppers, and Crazy Charlie patterns.

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

Late spring through early fall when water temperatures reach 70°F and above, with July and August being prime months. More active during warmer months, with movement rates higher in summer than fall/winter.

How do you catch Spotted Gar in Tennessee?

Key technique: when a gar takes your offering, let them run and chew for 10-20 seconds before setting the hook, as their bony mouths are difficult to penetrate. Strip set with maximum force rather than lifting the rod.

What do Spotted Gar eat?

Primarily nocturnal ambush predators, consuming 57.5% crustaceans (especially shrimp and crayfish), 18.1% fish species including golden topminnow, warmouth, bluegill, and spotted sunfish, plus aquatic invertebrates and insect larvae. Feed 70% at night versus dawn/dusk.

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