The prehistoric-looking alligator gar has captured the imagination of anglers and nature lovers alike. With its armored ganoid scales and rows of sharp teeth, this massive fish looks like something straight out of Jurassic Park.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Alligator gar were once widespread throughout the rivers and lakes of Tennessee but declined dramatically in the 20th century due to overfishing, habitat loss, and water pollution.
They have since rebounded somewhat thanks to conservation efforts, but their numbers remain lower than historically and their range is now restricted mostly to the western half of the state.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of alligator gar in Tennessee. We’ll look at the history of their population decline and the ongoing efforts to restore their numbers. We’ll also cover topics like their biology, fishing regulations, habitat, diet, and more.
Background and History
Native Range and Historical Abundance
The alligator gar is native to the southeastern United States, historically inhabiting waters from the Ohio River southward to the Florida peninsula and westward to Texas (TPWD). These large fish were once abundant throughout their native range, occupying fresh and brackish habitats including rivers, swamps, bayous, and lakes (USFWS).
Some records indicate alligator gar weighing over 300 pounds were caught in the late 19th century.
Population Decline in the 20th Century
Alligator gar populations severely declined during the 20th century due to various factors:
- Overharvesting – They were fished commercially for their meat and scales.
- Habitat loss and degradation from river modification projects that altered flow patterns and vegetation.
- Pollution from agricultural and industrial runoff.
Unfounded perceptions that they are dangerous predators or threats to sport fish also fueled persecution campaigns to eliminate alligator gar from inland waters.
Current Status and Conservation
Alligator gar currently have a patchy distribution within a fraction of their historic native range. Populations are estimated to be at less than 10% of their historical levels in most areas (TPWD). The species is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List due to declining population trends.
Ongoing conservation efforts aim to restore alligator gar populations and habitats. These include:
| Monitoring programs | To track population trends and distribution |
| Habitat restoration projects | To improve vegetation, water flow, water quality of key water bodies |
| Raising awareness | About their ecological role and dispelling misconceptions |
| Protective regulations | On commercial harvests and hobby angling |
| Stocking programs | To reintroduce alligator gar into suitable historical habitats |
Description and Biology
Size and Appearance
The alligator gar is one of the largest freshwater fish species in North America, often reaching over 8 feet in length and weighing over 100 pounds. They have an elongated, torpedo-shaped body covered in diamond-shaped scales that are extremely hard and protective.
Their heads are broad and flat, with a very long, broad snout containing many sharp teeth – an appearance that earns them the name “alligator gar”.
Alligator gars are usually olive, brown, or black in color, with some lighter mottling. They have two rows of teeth in the upper jaw, and one row on the lower jaw. Young alligator gars have a yellow-white stripe and spots on their bodies, which fade as they mature.
Lifespan and Reproduction
Alligator gars are quite long-lived, with lifespans frequently exceeding 30 years in the wild. Females reach sexual maturity between ages 8-10, while males take 10-12 years. Spawning occurs during June and July when water temperatures reach 75-82°F.
Females can lay up to 300,000 eggs, attaching them to aquatic vegetation or woody debris. Males will fertilize these eggs where they are laid. There is no additional parental care. Hatching occurs after 6-8 days, producing 3⁄4 inch long larvae.
Diet and Feeding Habits
As ambush apex predators, alligator gars prefer to wait motionless for prey to come near them and then suddenly strike and capture the prey with their sharp teeth. They are opportunistic feeders, gorging themselves whenever possible due to their slow metabolism.
Common prey items include fish like shad and suckers, crustaceans like crayfish, and other aquatic vertebrates like frogs, snakes, and water birds.
Research from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) indicates that the majority of the alligator gar diet in Tennessee is made up of Asian carp and Gizzard Shad. Both of these invasive fish species are negatively impacting Tennessee waterways, so the predatory habits of alligator gar may help control population spread in some cases.
Habitat and Range in Tennessee
Western Rivers
Alligator gar are found in many of the major rivers in western Tennessee, including the Mississippi, Tennessee, Cumberland, Duck, Elk, and Obion Rivers. They prefer slow-moving backwaters, oxbows, sloughs, and flooded timber where there is plenty of aquatic vegetation for ambushing prey and hiding from predators (1).
According to a survey by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), alligator gar populations are relatively stable in these river habitats (2).
Lakes and Reservoirs
Alligator gar have also been documented in some larger lakes and reservoirs across Tennessee, such as Kentucky Lake, Pickwick Lake, Chickamauga Lake, and Old Hickory Lake (3). Their numbers tend to be lower in impoundments compared to free-flowing rivers, likely due to changes in habitat and available food sources after dam construction.
A study on Chickamauga Lake found limited natural reproduction of alligator gar, so they may rely more on immigration from the connecting Tennessee River to maintain populations (4).
Declines in Eastern Tennessee
In contrast to western Tennessee, alligator gar appear to have experienced significant declines in eastern drainages. They were once found throughout the upper Tennessee River basin but surveys suggest remaining populations are small and fragmented (5).
For example, an intensive sampling effort on the Holston River captured only one alligator gar between 2000-2005 (6). Their disappearance from much of eastern Tennessee may be linked to river alteration, overfishing, pollution, and interactions with invasive species.
Restoration efforts are currently aimed at learning more about historical distributions and causes of decline to guide future management actions (7).
| River Basin | Alligator Gar Status |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | Stable populations |
| Cumberland | Relatively abundant |
| Tennessee (Eastern) | Declined significantly |
For more information on alligator gar in Tennessee, check out this TWRA species profile.
Fishing for Alligator Gar
Regulations and Seasons
There are special regulations in place for fishing for alligator gar in Tennessee. According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, alligator gar fishing season runs from June 1st through October 31st.
There is a statewide daily creel limit of 1 fish per day, with a minimum length limit of 36 inches. Anglers are required to report any alligator gar caught within 10 days to aid conservation efforts.
Techniques and Tackle
When targeting alligator gar, recommended tackle includes heavy spinning or baitcasting rods paired with 40-80 lb braided line. Top lures include large rattletraps, jigs, spoons and soft plastic swimbaits in shad or baitfish patterns.Sink tip fly lines paired with large streamers can also produce exciting surface strikes.
Bowfishing during spawning months can also be productive. Snagging alligator gar is prohibited. Setting heavy drag and using steel leaders is a must to turn these large fish away from cover.
Popular Spots in Tennessee
Some of the best places in Tennessee to hook into alligator gar include Kentucky Lake, Pickwick Lake and the Lower Mississippi River. Focus on creek mouths, harbors and backwater areas with ambush cover. The largest specimens over 100 lbs are caught in western Tennessee waters like Reelfoot Lake.
The Wolf River and Loosahatchie River also hold good numbers of alligator gar.
Wing dams and rock walls on the Mississippi River provide perfect ambush spots for alligator gar. Find eddies and current breaks around river bends where gar hold tight to structure waiting to pounce. Local fishing guides can provide the most up-to-date information on prime gar fishing locations.
Alligator gar put up a tough fight on tackle. With special regulations in places, ethical catch and release practices are critical for preserving trophy fish populations. Consult an up-to-date Tennessee fishing regulations guide for specific laws on harvesting alligator gar.
Threats and Conservation
Habitat Loss and Degradation
The major threat to alligator gar populations is habitat loss and degradation. As wetlands are drained or altered for agriculture, development, and flood control, alligator gar lose the aquatic vegetation, backwater areas, and floodplain connectivity they need to thrive.
Some key alligator gar spawning and nursery habitats have been degraded or lost entirely. For example, modifications to the Mississippi River have negatively impacted historic spawning grounds.
Overfishing and Bycatch
Historically, alligator gar were intentionally overfished by commercial fishermen and wrongly perceived as a “trash fish” species. They were also frequently taken as bycatch in nets and lines intended for more desirable species.
Efforts to eradicate alligator gar led to population declines across their native range. Though no longer intentionally targeted, they are still susceptible to bycatch mortality today.
Pollution
As apex predators, large alligator gar bioaccumulate heavy metals like mercury at higher levels than other species. Mercury pollution, largely from coal power plant emissions, poses health risks to gar populations.
Other pollutants from agricultural and industrial runoff also threaten aquatic ecosystem health.
Restoration Efforts
Several state wildlife agencies have implemented fishery regulations to protect and restore alligator gar populations, including harvest restrictions and quotas. Some states prohibit take entirely. Habitat restoration projects, like reconnecting floodplain lakes and wetlands, also aim to improve spawning and nursery habitat.
Public education efforts promote awareness and conservation of this unique fish species. Thanks to these initiatives, alligator gar populations are rebounding across parts of their native range.
Conclusion
Alligator gar have lived in Tennessee’s waters for millions of years but their numbers crashed in the 1900s due to human impacts. While they will likely never be as abundant as they once were, ongoing conservation and education efforts provide hope for the future of this unique prehistoric fish in the state.
Anglers who follow regulations and practice selective harvest can enjoy fishing for alligator gar while also helping protect them.
Though their primeval appearance can be startling, alligator gar play important roles in river and lake ecosystems throughout western Tennessee. Learning about their natural history, biology, and conservation needs can give us a greater appreciation for this iconic apex predator.
