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Spotted Gar

Spotted Gar

The Spotted Gar is one of three native gar species in Texas, an ancient fish dating back 65-100 million years to the Cretaceous period. These primitive fish are built for ambush predation and are voracious predators.

These living fossils can live up to 18 years and play important ecological roles despite sometimes being unfairly labeled as 'trash fish.'

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus oculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These primitive fish grow to 3 feet long and weigh up to 8 pounds, with distinctive olive-brown to black spots covering their head, body, and fins - especially prominent on the pectoral and pelvic fins.
  • Their upper body ranges from brown to olive with silver-white sides, while immature fish display a broad dark stripe on their sides.
  • They possess long snout-like mouths lined with sharp teeth and armored bodies covered in thick, diamond-shaped ganoid scales.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Texas, they inhabit clear, quiet, vegetated waters of streams, swamps, lakes, and sometimes enter brackish waters along the Gulf Coast.
  • Distribution extends from central Texas eastward, with populations found throughout the Mississippi River drainage system.

Key Locations

  • Lake Texoma offers excellent opportunities, where bowfishers have landed specimens up to 15 pounds.
  • Vegetated waters of streams, swamps, lakes, and Gulf Coast brackish areas.

Specific Spots

  • Look for schools of gar as they often swim together, and target shoreline-oriented areas with submerged branches for cover while avoiding exposed banks.

Spotted Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

For live bait, use shiners, bluegills, crayfish, and cut bait presented under an orange bobber about 18 inches above the hook. For artificial lures, try spinnerbaits, spoons, small crankbaits, and spinners with treble hooks.

What flies work for Spotted Gar in Texas?

Fly fishing with frayed rope-like streamer flies is highly effective - the threads tangle in their teeth without requiring hooks.

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

Summer months when water temperatures reach 70-90°F, with July and August being peak periods. Spawns from April to May in shallow water with low flow and heavy vegetation, during which time they should be left undisturbed.

How do you catch Spotted Gar in Texas?

Effective techniques include drift fishing, still fishing, bait casting, fly fishing, and spin casting. When a gar takes bait, they typically hold it and thrash before swallowing - wait several seconds before setting the hook hard to penetrate their bony snouts.

What do Spotted Gar eat?

Spotted Gar are voracious predators feeding primarily on fish (including golden topminnows, warmouth, bluegill, and spotted sunfish), crustaceans like crayfish and shrimp, insect larvae, and small invertebrates.

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