Habitat: Longnose gar prefer shallow, weedy, quiet waters. However, they are found throughout West Virginia in most streams, rivers and reservoirs.
Other: Longnose gar can be often be confused with their similar sub-species and even species of muskies and pikes due to their closeness in body shape and potential size. An obvious difference between the longnose gar and the shortnose is the length of the snout, but it can be deceiving if a longnose of similar size is not available for comparison.
Habitat & Range
Longnose gar prefer shallow, weedy, quiet waters. However, they are found throughout West Virginia in most streams, rivers and reservoirs.
Status, Trends & Threats
There are no conservation issues related to longnose gar. Its giant relative, the alligator gar, has been making a comeback in its historic range of the Mississippi River drainage including the Ohio River. Multiple states have re-established this ancient ecologically important fish through re-stocking and conservation efforts throughout its native distribution. There have even been confirmed sightings as recently as 2018 near Huntington, W.Va.
License & Regulations
A valid West Virginia fishing license is required for anglers age 15 and older. Licenses are available for residents, non-residents, and short-term durations. A West Virginia Trout Stamp is required to fish for or possess trout in designated trout waters. Purchase online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website or at authorized license retailers throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Habitat
Longnose gar prefer shallow, weedy, quiet waters. However, they are found throughout West Virginia in most streams, rivers and reservoirs.
Interesting Facts
In some parts of its range, the longnose gar is netted and sold in markets as food fish, but it usually gets limited attention from sport anglers. However, they will readily chase lures often out of curiosity. Crafty anglers utilize a small section of frayed rope as a lure or small panty hose bag with bait without a hook to take advantage of their abundant teeth. Even without a hook, their teeth will become entangled in the frayed rope or panty hose allowing the angler to reel in their catch. Longnose gar, due to their tough ganoid scales, require tin snips or other sharp implements to cut them open. Once inside, the top “loins” can be removed and prepared using your favorite fish recipe. They are quite good. Give them a try sometime! The West Virginia length record for Longnose Gar is 52....
Regulations
West Virginia fishing regulations apply to Longnose Gar. A valid West Virginia fishing license is required for anglers 15 and older. Bag and size limits vary by species and water body. Some waters have special regulations including catch-and-release only, artificial lures only, or specific size limits. Check the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Fishing Regulations for current rules specific to your fishing location.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | Fishing | License | License & Fees | A valid West Virginia fishing license is required for anglers age 15 and older. Licenses are available for residents, no | Link |
