UTERAlligator gar fishing in Louisiana freshwater
In Louisiana freshwater, alligator gar peak May–October and are around year-round, spawning in June, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Atchafalaya and the Red River gator gar.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Alligator gar in Louisiana freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilArriving
- MayPeak
- JuneSpawningAtchafalaya and the Red River gator gar.
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish alligator gar near Toledo Bend, Atchafalaya Basin, Caddo Lake
Cypress swamps and bayous of the Atchafalaya, the big reservoirs on the Texas line, oxbow lakes, and the Red River — bass, crappie, catfish and alligator gar.
What to use for alligator gar
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 60–94°F water, best at 72–88°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch alligator gar in Louisiana freshwater?
Peak season is May–October, with fish spawning in June (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Alligator gar are here year-round. June: Atchafalaya and the Red River gator gar.
Where do alligator gar hold in Louisiana freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir, lake — around Toledo Bend, Atchafalaya Basin, Caddo Lake, False River, Lake D'Arbonne, Red River.
What is the best bait for alligator gar in Louisiana freshwater?
Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for alligator gar in Louisiana freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and change — read the current rule at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/seasons-and-regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/recreational-fishing-licenses-and-permits.
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All about alligator gar · Louisiana fresh water, the whole year