Alligator Gar

Body Type & Identification: The largest freshwater fish in North America outside Alaska — can exceed 8 feet and 300 lbs. Distinguished by a broad, alligator-like snout with two rows of large teeth on the upper jaw (other gar have one row). Olive to brown with lighter spots. A true freshwater leviathan — one of the most impressive sport fish in North America.

Preferred Water Temperature: 68°F–82°F. A warm-water species found in large rivers, oxbows, bayous, and brackish coastal waters of the Gulf states. Tolerates brackish and even saltwater — found in bays and estuaries. Surfaces periodically to gulp air. Long-lived — individuals reach 50+ years and 300+ lbs.

Habitat: Large rivers and backwaters of the Gulf coastal plain — the Trinity, Guadalupe, and other Texas rivers, the Atchafalaya Basin of Louisiana, the Mississippi River delta, and the Florida Panhandle. Once widespread, now restricted primarily to Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi by overfishing and habitat loss. A growing trophy fishery in Texas.

Best Lures: Large swimbaits (10–14 inch) produce strikes from large fish. Large topwater lures work at dawn. Large spinnerbaits attract attention. Rarely taken on lures compared to natural baits.

Best Baits: Large live mullet are the premier bait. Large live carp produce trophy fish. Large live or fresh-dead buffalo fish work very well. Large cut carp or buffalo are excellent. Very heavy tackle (100+ lb braid) with heavy wire leader is required. A specific tagging permit is required in Texas to fish for Alligator Gar. Guide trips are strongly recommended for first-time pursuers of this species.

Top 5 Destinations: Trinity River TX, Sam Rayburn Reservoir TX, Atchafalaya Basin LA, Lake Texoma OK/TX, Mississippi River backwaters LA.

The largest freshwater fish in North America outside Alaska — can exceed 8 feet and 300 lbs. Distinguished by a broad, alligator-like snout with two rows of large teeth on the upper jaw (other gar have one row). Olive to brown with lighter spots. A true freshwater leviathan — one of the most impressive sport fish in North America.

Large rivers and backwaters of the Gulf coastal plain — the Trinity, Guadalupe, and other Texas rivers, the Atchafalaya Basin of Louisiana, the Mississippi River delta, and the Florida Panhandle. Once widespread, now restricted primarily to Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi by overfishing and habitat loss. A growing trophy fishery in Texas.

68°F–82°F. A warm-water species found in large rivers, oxbows, bayous, and brackish coastal waters of the Gulf states. Tolerates brackish and even saltwater — found in bays and estuaries. Surfaces periodically to gulp air. Long-lived — individuals reach 50+ years and 300+ lbs.

Best Lures: Large swimbaits (10–14 inch) produce strikes from large fish. Large topwater lures work at dawn. Large spinnerbaits attract attention. Rarely taken on lures compared to natural baits. Best Baits: Large live mullet are the premier bait. Large live carp produce trophy fish. Large live or fresh-dead buffalo fish work very well. Large cut carp or buffalo are excellent. Very heavy tackle (100+ lb braid) with heavy wire leader is required. A specific tagging permit is required in Texas to fish for Alligator Gar. Guide trips are strongly recommended for first-time pursuers of this species.

Trinity River TX, Sam Rayburn Reservoir TX, Atchafalaya Basin LA, Lake Texoma OK/TX, Mississippi River backwaters LA.

2 official records on file for Alligator Gar