Alligator Gar 

Once a popular big-game fish on the White, St. Francis, Red and Arkansas rivers, the alligator gar is now rare in Arkansas due primarily to changes in its habitat. It is one of the largest freshwater fishes in North America, and specimens over eight feet long and up to 215 pounds have been caught in the state. The snout is very short and broad like an alligator's snout. The distance from the snout's tip to the corner of the mouth is shorter than the rest of the head.

Beginning January 1, 2010, alligator gar fishermen and bowfishers in Arkansas will be required to obtain a free permit from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The permit will help AGFC biologists gather important details on the alligator gar harvest in the state.

Alligator Gar Permit