Shortnose gar in Wisconsin
WDNR limits, records and lakes for shortnose gar.
- None; no minimum lenlimit
- 4 lbs. 5.4 oz.record
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shortnose gar in Wisconsin, the overview
Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) sits in the Gars (Lepisosteidae) family on the WDNR fish list and counts as rough fish under Wisconsin rules. The first WDNR row, general inland waters, allows None; no minimum length with a season of Open all year.
A 4 lbs. 5.4 oz. fish from Fox River (2015) heads the hook and line list.
Wisconsin seasons and limits for shortnose gar
| Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| General inland waters | None; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Tributaries to Lake Michigan and major Green Bay tributaries | None; except 600 suckers; no minimum length | Open all year |
| All other tributaries to Green Bay upstream to the first dam or lake | None; except 600 suckers; no minimum length | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Winnebago System waters | None; no minimum length | Open all year |
2026-2027 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations (WDNR). Checked October 2026.
shortnose gar records by category
| Category | Weight or length | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line | 4 lbs. 5.4 oz. | Fox River | Outagamie | 2015 |
| alternate method | 5 lbs. 1 oz. | Lake Butte des Morts | Winnebago | 2018 |
WDNR record fish list, revised September 2026; angler names left out.
Where shortnose gar turn up in Wisconsin
Largest lakes with shortnose gar
- Lake Butte des Morts8,581 acres
Moving water with shortnose gar
- Fox RiverGreen Lake
WDNR Find a Lake fish lists and fisheries designation layers; largest waters first.
More Wisconsin fish grouped with shortnose gar
- Longnose garGars (Lepisosteidae)
Wisconsin water near Shortnose gar, photographed
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick facts people look up on shortnose gar
What daily limit applies to shortnose gar here?
None; no minimum length on general inland waters; season Open all year. Other waters have their own rows.
Does the WDNR list a record shortnose gar?
4 lbs. 5.4 oz. from Fox River in 2015 (hook and line).
Which Wisconsin lakes hold shortnose gar?
2 waters here, starting with Lake Butte des Morts and Fox River.
Are shortnose gar stocked in Wisconsin?
No stocking is listed for it.
How does the WDNR classify shortnose gar?
Lepisosteus platostomus, Gars (Lepisosteidae); rough fish.
Which months can I keep shortnose gar?
Open all year on general inland waters.
Do visitors need a license for shortnose gar?
Anglers 16 and older need a Wisconsin fishing license: $20 a year for residents and $55 for nonresidents, with a $5 first-time buyer rate for residents.
Do outfitters list shortnose gar?
None of the listed guides name it.
Plan a Wisconsin trip for shortnose gar
Choose a water above, then check its rule table.