UncommonNativeSecure
10
Spotted Gar
Lepisosteus oculatus · Lepisosteidae
Mid-sized gar. Speckled. Surface-loving.
Common
24–36 in
Max
44 in
Weight
Up to 15 lbs
Best Bite Windows
When spotted gar feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
FAIR55%feeding activity
Off-peak · slow near cover
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
12a6a12p6p12a
DAWN
68
MORN
64
MIDD
57
AFTE
71
DUSK
73
NIGH
70
Backwater gar · sight-feeds shallows
Solar + LunarLOW-MED lunar pull
Major feeds7:36p – 9:36p5:11a – 7:11a
Minor feeds5:29a – 6:29a7:47p – 8:47p
Solunar window 7:51p – 9:21p
Full Moon
Backwater hunter; modest moon signal.
Habitat
OxbowsBackwatersSlow rivers
Range
Cypress oxbows, weedy backwaters, slow river bends.
Diet
Sunfish, shad, minnows.
Best baits & lures
Rope lures
Small live bait
Cut shad
Ready-to-fish boxes for Spotted Gar
Gear up locallyPartner
Tale Waters & Tides
The home water for Arkansas anglers
Pocket Fishing Guide is powered by Tale Waters & Tides — gear, guides, and the stories behind the water. Plan your next trip with us.
How to fish it · techniques
Sight-fish rollers
Cast ahead, let it sink
Tangle, don't hook
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Rileys White & Buffalo Outfitter
Your White & Buffalo River outfitter
Guided float trips, canoe & kayak rentals, and riverside cabins on the White and Buffalo rivers.
Fun fact
Of Arkansas's three gar species, the spotted gar is the homebody — rarely leaving the oxbow it was born in. Locals know individual fish by their spot patterns.
Status
Secure
Native · Lepisosteidae