Alligator Gar in Alabama
alligator gar under the 2026-27 Alabama rules.
- 1 a daycreel
- 162 lbs., 0 oz.record
Angler pickPiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of the species, not an Alabama water: Cymothoa exigua, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Quick facts on Alabama alligator gar
The freshwater row that governs alligator gar is the one called "Alligator Gar". That comes to 1 a day; the season reads open all year. On the ADCNR species page it is Atractosteus spatula.
The heaviest one ADCNR has certified is 162 lbs., 0 oz., by Michael Keith Dees in 2022, from Spanish River. 1 water pages on this site list it, starting with Spanish River.
Keeping alligator gar legally in Alabama
| Row as printed | Waters | Creel and size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alligator Gar | Public fresh waters statewide | 1 a day | open all year |
Alligator gar caught with commercial fishing gear must be immediately returned to the water.
Limits as printed in the Official 2026-2027 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest (ADCNR, eRegulations edition) (limits page; digest PDF), read November 1, 2026.
Alabama record-book alligator gar
| List | Weight | Angler | Water | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| freshwater | 162 lbs., 0 oz. | Michael Keith Dees | Spanish River | November 24, 2022 |
ADCNR (Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division for freshwater; Marine Resources Division State Record Fish Committee for saltwater); freshwater list, saltwater list, read November 1, 2026.
Lakes, rivers and bays for alligator gar in Alabama
Brackish water listing alligator gar
- Spanish Riverriver
ADCNR reservoir, river and public fishing lake species lists, the record waters and the MRD inshore species; largest waters first.
The country around Alligator Gar through a lens
Photo: Marshall County CVB, CC BY 2.0
Photo: formulanone, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: formulanone, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Tennessee Valley Authority, CC BY 2.0
Alabama alligator gar, the usual questions
What is the Alabama daily creel for alligator gar?
Daily: 1 a day. Season: open all year.
Who caught the Alabama record alligator gar?
ADCNR lists 162 lbs., 0 oz., Michael Keith Dees, 2022, Spanish River.
Which Alabama water pages on this site name alligator gar?
Look at Spanish River; 1 pages in all.
Is the Alabama alligator gar limit the same everywhere?
No digest exception names it.
What season covers Alabama alligator gar?
Season as printed: open all year.
Which Alabama license should I carry for alligator gar?
Freshwater anglers need an Alabama fishing license from 16 on ($17.45 resident, $68.20 nonresident for 2026-27); residents 65 and older are exempt.
Who certifies an Alabama alligator gar record?
The freshwater rules: biologist identification, certified scales, two witnesses, form filed within three months.
Which Latin name does ADCNR give alligator gar?
ADCNR uses Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula).
Look for alligator gar near your Alabama base
Start from a water above for launch sites.