iFISHILLINOIS
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Division of Fisheries
Your official source for Illinois fishing information
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Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page for some of the most commonly asked questions. If you have a question that isn't answered here, send us an email through our contact form, and we are happy to answer! You can find the contact form here: https://ifishillinois.org/Home/Contact
If you're interested in participating in public tournaments, send us an email with the ID number of the tournament and we will provide you with the contact information.
Gar in Illinois
The misunderstood native “dinosaur” fish
To many anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, the gar is a creature out of time — armored, elongated and sporting a toothy grin that seems more fit for a prehistoric swamp than our own Illinois waters. But these remarkable fish are not relics of the past. They are thriving, native residents of rivers, lakes and backwaters across the Prairie State, playing a meaningful role in aquatic ecosystems and offering a unique, if underappreciated, experience for those willing to look past the myths.
These prehistoric predators have cruised Midwestern waters for millions of years. Far from nuisances, gar are among Illinois’ most resilient native fish species. For anglers willing to learn their story, gar offer sporting challenge, sustainable harvest opportunities and surprisingly excellent table fare.Illinois is fortunate to be home to several species of gar, each adapted to life in the slow-moving, vegetated waters that fringe our great rivers and inland lakes.
Read more about gar species in Illinois, their history and value to our waters, and how you can help preserve this species: Outdoor Illinois Journal Article — Gar in Illinois.
