Alligator gar Fishing in Texas
Limits, state records, TPWD lake ratings and stocking for alligator gar.
- 283 lbstate record
- 2lakes rated
Photo: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0
Alligator gar in Texas
Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) is a freshwater species in Texas. One-per-day bag since 2009. Profile cites a 302 lb trotline record (1953); rod-and-reel record is in state_records.json. The Texas rod and reel record is 283 pounds from Sam Rayburn, set in 2023. TPWD rates 2 Texas lakes for this fish; 2 of them as excellent.
When and where to find alligator gar in Texas
When
Spawns in flooded vegetation when spring water exceeds 68F, generally April-May in Texas
Where they hold
Large rivers, reservoirs and coastal bays; Slow to mature, usually about 10 years before spawning
Alligator gar facts from the TPWD species profile.
Best Texas lakes for alligator gar
Texas lakes rated for alligator gar, best rating first, then by size.
Texas limits for alligator gar
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alligator gar | 1 | Mandatory harvest reporting within 24 hours (except Falcon Reservoir); spawning-period closures possible; Falcon possession exception | ||
| Alligator gar | 1 | Mandatory harvest reporting |
Lakes with their own rules for this fish: Falcon International Reservoir, Lake Livingston and Lake Texoma.
Alligator gar limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Texas state records for alligator gar
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bow fishing | 290 | 96 | Trinity River | 2001 |
| fly fishing | 40.7 | 56.25 | Brazos River | 2020 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 283 | 72 | Sam Rayburn | 2023 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 186.19 | 96.25 | Galveston Bay | 1995 |
Alligator gar records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Questions about alligator gar in Texas
What is the Texas state record alligator gar?
283 pounds, caught at Sam Rayburn in 2023, rod and reel all tackle.
What is the daily bag limit for alligator gar in Texas?
1 a day statewide.
Where is the best alligator gar fishing in Texas?
TPWD rates Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi excellent, among others.
When do alligator gar spawn or bite best in Texas?
Spawns in flooded vegetation when spring water exceeds 68F, generally April-May in Texas.
Where do alligator gar hold?
Large rivers, reservoirs and coastal bays; Slow to mature, usually about 10 years before spawning.
Do any Texas lakes have special alligator gar rules?
Yes: Falcon International Reservoir, Lake Livingston and Lake Texoma, among others.
Do I need a license to fish for alligator gar in Texas?
Yes. Anglers 17 and older targeting alligator gar need a license with the freshwater endorsement.
What is the scientific name of alligator gar?
Atractosteus spatula.
Can I keep alligator gar caught in a Texas state park?
Yes, under the same alligator gar limits, and no license is needed inside the park.