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Alligator Gar

Alligator Gar

Alligator gar are the largest freshwater fish in Texas and one of the largest in North America. These prehistoric fish are opportunistic predators and ambush predators that wait motionless before striking with explosive speed.

Texas has one of the largest and healthiest alligator gar populations remaining in the United States.

Scientific Name: Atractosteus spatula

Physical Characteristics:
  • Commonly reaching 6 feet and over 100 pounds, with some specimens growing up to 8-10 feet and exceeding 300 pounds.
  • These prehistoric fish have torpedo-shaped bodies with distinctive diamond-shaped ganoid scales that form nearly impenetrable armor.
  • They have broad snouts resembling alligators with double rows of sharp teeth in their upper jaw, distinguishing them from other gar species.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They're found in large rivers and reservoirs in East Texas, North Texas, Southwest Texas populations exist in the Rio Grande system, and along the Texas coast they occupy virtually every river system draining into the Gulf of Mexico as well as coastal bays.

Key Locations

  • They're found in large rivers and reservoirs in East Texas including the Trinity, Sabine, Neches, and Angelina Rivers, and reservoirs like Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Caddo Lake, and Lake Livingston.
  • In North Texas, they inhabit the Red River and Lake Texoma.
  • Southwest Texas populations exist in the Rio Grande system including Falcon Lake and Amistad Lake.
  • Along the Texas coast, they occupy virtually every river system draining into the Gulf of Mexico including the Brazos, Nueces, San Antonio, and Guadalupe Rivers, as well as coastal bays like Galveston, Corpus Christi, and Matagorda.
  • Prime Texas locations include the Trinity River (considered the world's best alligator gar fishing), Lake Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Falcon Lake, and coastal systems.

Specific Spots

  • Target deep pools with adjacent shallow flats, areas with submerged structure, and transition zones between different water depths.

Alligator Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Alligator Gar in Texas?

Successful baits include cut common carp (most popular in Texas), gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo, mullet, shiners, and suckers. For artificial lures, use large soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs that mimic injured baitfish.

When is the best time to fish for Alligator Gar in Texas?

The best time to target alligator gar in Texas is during summer months from late June through August when water temperatures reach 70-90°F and fish are most active near the surface.

How do you catch Alligator Gar in Texas?

Present baits on or near the bottom. When a gar takes bait, allow it to run and swallow before setting the hook due to their bony mouths. Be patient as these fish often hold bait in their mouth before swallowing. Look for rolling fish (surfacing to breathe air) and schooling baitfish as indicators of gar presence.

What do Alligator Gar eat?

Alligator gar are opportunistic predators feeding primarily on fish including gizzard shad, carp, buffalo fish, and occasionally bass, but studies show gamefish comprise only a small portion of their diet.

Where do Alligator Gar live in Texas?

They're found in large rivers and reservoirs in East Texas, North Texas, Southwest Texas populations exist in the Rio Grande system, and along the Texas coast they occupy virtually every river system draining into the Gulf of Mexico as well as coastal bays.

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