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Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar are native to Virginia and represent one of the most ancient fish species, dating back over 100 million years to the Cretaceous Period. These prehistoric predators can surpass 50 inches in length and live up to 20 years in Virginia waters.

Scientific Name: Lepisosteus osseus

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're distinguished by their elongated, beak-like snouts filled with needle-sharp teeth, cylindrical bodies covered in diamond-shaped ganoid scales, and olive-brown coloration with dark spots scattered across their body and fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They thrive in lower gradient streams with deep pools and runs, reservoirs, and tidal estuaries, particularly favoring shaded areas with overhanging tree limbs and submerged structures.
  • As obligate air breathers with specialized swim bladders, they can survive in brackish waters and low-oxygen environments that other fish cannot tolerate.

Key Locations

  • Virginia's major watersheds including the James, Potomac, Rappahannock, Roanoke, Upper Cumberland, Upper Tennessee, and York rivers, primarily in the eastern and northern regions of the state.
  • Areas around power plants with warm water discharge are particularly productive hotspots.

Specific Spots

  • Quiet, weedy backwaters, around structures like downed trees and stone outcrops, below dams, weedy bends, large flats bordering deep water, mainlake points, and isolated bays and creek mouths.

Longnose Gar FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Rope flies (6 to 9-inch pieces of unbraided nylon rope tied to hooks), live minnows under floats, small inline spinners, minnow baits, and spoons.

What flies work for Longnose Gar in Virginia?

Streamers featuring trailer treble hooks on wire connections, bucktail streamers, Woolly Buggers, and poppers, sized 3-5 inches.

When is the best time to fish for Longnose Gar in Virginia?

The peak fishing season for Longnose Gar in Virginia runs from late May through September, with July and August being the most productive months when water temperatures reach 70°F and above.

How do you catch Longnose Gar in Virginia?

The most effective technique involves rope flies - 6 to 9-inch pieces of unbraided nylon rope tied to hooks, which tangle in their abundant teeth rather than relying on traditional hook sets. After a gar strikes a rope fly, allow 8-10 seconds for the fish to chew before applying steady pressure.

What do Longnose Gar eat?

These apex predators are primarily piscivorous, feeding on fish like white perch, menhaden, killifishes, Atlantic croaker, and spot, while supplementing their diet with crayfish, crabs, small mammals, and amphibians when opportunities arise.

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