Shortnose gar across Minnesota
shortnose gar: Minnesota limits and records.
- 10limit
- 5 lb 4 ozrecord
Angler pickPiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Lake Pepin: Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0
shortnose gar, statewide
Shortnose gar is a Minnesota fish in the DNR gar family group. The booklet row for inland waters (statewide) sets 10 and runs Continuous.
The record table shows 5 lb 4 oz from Minnesota River, 2017. The DNR has recorded it in 20 lakes; this site has pages for 23. Gill nets on Little Spirit Lake caught 19.67 per net, the best among lakes here.
What you may keep of shortnose gar
| Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Inland waters (statewide) | 10 | Continuous |
| Inland waters | 10 | Early season March 1 – April 30 (south of Hwy 210, lakes and Minnesota/Mississippi/St. Croix rivers, from a bo |
| Inland waters | 10 | Spearing April 25, 2026 – Feb. 14, 2027; harpooning, dip net and seine May 1, 2026 – Feb. 14, 2027 (sunrise to |
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations. All Minnesota limits.
State record shortnose gar
| Category | Weight | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| certified weight | 5 lb 4 oz | Minnesota River | Renville | 2017 |
| catch and release | 30.5 in | Minnesota River | Scott | 2026 |
Minnesota DNR state records; angler names left out.
Best shortnose gar netting on lakes with pages
| Lake | Per gill net | Normal range | Avg lb | Survey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Spirit Lake | 19.67 | 2.48 | 2024 | |
| Hiniker Pond | 1.5 | 1.77 | 2023 | |
| Pearl Lake, Jackson County | 1 | 2.26 | 2025 | |
| St. Croix River | 0.41 | 1.82 | 2024 | |
| Madison Lake | 0.12 | 2.72 | 2025 | |
| Lake Pepin | 0.04 | 0.32 | 2024 |
DNR LakeFinder latest survey per lake; standard and special gill nets.
Lakes and streams holding shortnose gar
shortnose gar lakes
- Lake Pepin12,299 acres
- St. Croix River8,393 acres
- Lac qui Parle5,741 acres
- Norway Lake, Kandiyohi County2,339 acres
- Madison Lake1,447 acres
- High Island Lake1,340 acres
- Round Lake, Jackson County930 acres
- German Lake, Le Sueur County889 acres
- Okabena Lake776 acres
- Loon Lake, Jackson County708 acres
- Florida Lake705 acres
- Pigs Eye Lake674 acres
- Willmar Lake636 acres
- Little Spirit Lake624 acres
- Games Lake527 acres
- Lake Winona308 acres
- Clear Lake, Goodhue County226 acres
- Goose Lake, Goodhue County220 acres
- Pearl Lake, Jackson County117 acres
- Elkhorn Lake79 acres
- Lake Goodview77 acres
- Hiniker Pond18 acres
- Firemen's Clayhole Lake9 acres
shortnose gar streams
- Mississippi RiverAitkin
DNR LakeFinder survey lists; largest lakes first.
Fish beside shortnose gar in the DNR groups
- Longnose gargar family
Scenery a short drive from Shortnose gar
Photo: Joe Passe, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Wikideas1, CC0
Photo: Jon Platek, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: William Wesen ( Appraiser at English Wikipedia ), Public domain
Reader questions on shortnose gar
How many shortnose gar can I keep in Minnesota?
10 (Inland waters (statewide)), season Continuous.
Does Minnesota keep a record for shortnose gar?
5 lb 4 oz from Minnesota River (2017).
Which lakes did the DNR net the most shortnose gar in?
Little Spirit Lake leads the DNR gill net catch at 19.67 per net; 24 waters on this site list it.
Do DNR hatcheries raise shortnose gar?
No stocking is listed.
Which marks identify shortnose gar?
See the DNR profile.
Can shortnose gar be kept in every month in Minnesota?
Continuous
Which Minnesota license do I need for shortnose gar?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Who runs trips for shortnose gar?
No Minnesota operator names it; try the guides page.
Find shortnose gar near your Minnesota home
Every lake named here has a page with survey catch and limits.