Shortnose Gar in Illinois
Digest rows, record weight and lakes holding Illinois shortnose gar.
- no statewide rowlimit
- 6 lbs 15.2 ozrecord
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Illinois shortnose gar, the short version
The Illinois statewide table in the digest leaves shortnose gar unnamed. Local entries in the digest for a lake or river still count.
The Illinois hook and line record stands at 6 lbs 15.2 oz, from Horseshoe Lake – Madison County in 2018. It appears on 2 Illinois lake and river pages; Carlyle Lake and Horseshoe Lake (Madison County) come first.
The Illinois record shortnose gar
| Division | Weight | Water | County | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line | 6 lbs 15.2 oz | Horseshoe Lake – Madison County | Madison County | May 27, 2018 |
| bow and arrow | 9 lbs 6.2 oz | Carlyle Lake | Clinton County | May 22, 2016 |
IDNR Illinois state record fish list (keeper: Illinois Department of Natural Resources; no angler names printed), read November 4, 2026.
Illinois spots worth a trip for shortnose gar
Still water for shortnose gar
- Carlyle Lake24,580 acres
- Horseshoe Lake (Madison County)2,107 acres
IDNR IFishIllinois outlook ratings and species lists, the IDNR stocking table and IDNR record waters; largest waters first.
Fish sharing a row with Illinois shortnose gar
- Alligator Gar1 a day
- Longnose Garno statewide row
- Spotted Garno statewide row
Prairie lakes and river bottoms near Shortnose Gar, photographed
Photo: Ron Frazier, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Tripp, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Charles Fulton, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Dan, CC BY 2.0
Land of Lincoln questions on shortnose gar
Which digest row limits shortnose gar?
The statewide table skips it, so see the site-specific rules where you fish.
When was the Illinois shortnose gar record set?
It weighed 6 lbs 15.2 oz; Horseshoe Lake – Madison County, 2018. IDNR leaves the angler unnamed.
What Illinois lake should I try for shortnose gar?
Carlyle Lake and Horseshoe Lake (Madison County) head a list of 2 Illinois pages.
Which Illinois waters change the shortnose gar rule?
None of the site-specific entries mention it by name; all-fish gear rules still apply.
Does IDNR stock shortnose gar?
No stocking row names it from 2021 to 2026.
What paperwork does IDNR require for shortnose gar?
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
Can a bowfished shortnose gar set an Illinois record?
One division for hook and line, one for bow and arrow. This fish holds 2 record rows.
Do IDNR surveys rate shortnose gar anywhere?
No outlook grade for it appears on the lake pages.
Set out for Illinois shortnose gar
Every lake linked above lists its piers and docks.