UTERAlligator gar fishing in Texas freshwater
In Texas freshwater, alligator gar peak May–October and are around year-round, spawning in June, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Trinity River gar spawn on the flooded vegetation — TPWD can close stretches during a spawn.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Alligator gar in Texas freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilArriving
- MayPeakTrinity River gar spawn on the flooded vegetation — TPWD can close stretches during a spawn.
- JuneSpawningTrinity, Falcon and Choke Canyon — big gar rolling on the surface.
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeakSummer gar on the Trinity — cut carp on a float.
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish alligator gar near Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Lake Fork
The big East Texas bass lakes — Fork, Rayburn, Toledo Bend — Texoma's stripers, white bass runs up every river, Hill Country rivers with native Guadalupe bass, giant alligator gar, and winter trout.
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 Texas 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. May: Trinity River gar spawn on the flooded vegetation — TPWD can close stretches during a spawn.
Where do alligator gar hold in Texas freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir, lake — around Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Lake Fork, Lake Texoma, Lake Conroe, Guadalupe River.
What is the best bait for alligator gar in Texas 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 Texas freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and change — read the current rule at https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/freshwater-fishing before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/licenses.
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All about alligator gar · Texas fresh water, the whole year