Anybody Else Chasing These Prehistoric Beasts?

[Genome]

New to the forum and also a noob at chasing gar on the fly rod. I live somewhat near the Elk and have heard of some Gar between Noel and 43 hwy. Anyone have any info on the whereabouts of these toothy creatures. I'm try to check Gar of the fly rod list, plus I have been told they are a blast on the long pole. I have seen some small pods here and there, but was hoping someone might be willing to give up some info on a more reliable spot. I'll make a drive, so east Grand Lake, Shoal, Center Creek, or other water in this area would be great. Feel free to post or send me a PM if you have any info and can help.

Cheers, Genome

[Genome]

Bump,

Not lookling to hotspot, just looking for some help to reduce my recon workload. Places to avoid would also be helpful. For example, would it be worth my while to float the Elk from Noel to 43hwy this weekend in the hopes of finding some Gar? How about on Shoal for Gar, below the dam in Joplin? Avoid it, give it a try? Everybody want's more time on the water and mine is limited too. Based on kids, upcoming work, etc i figure I'll have one maybe two days in August/September to chase one of these toothy creatures down on the fly.

Thanks for any info you can supply

[Guest]

Ive seen them gars in deeper pools, like Sahdow Lake or the Falls in Pineville

[Kelroy]

If you are wading, walk down the middle (private property both sides) from the cowskin access at 43. Right now it's not very deep at all. There is a deep pool down there up against the bluff, with a nice gravel bar across from it. I used to do some riparian habitat surveys from the bridge down to the bluff, and I've seen some nice ones in there. Biggest longnose I've ever seen was in there a couple of years ago. And yes, they're a blast. Good luck!

[hoglaw]

I've seen pools with many many gar between Noel and 43, but I don't know how to tell you to get there other than to float it and look down.

[Genome]

Thanks for the help, it sounds like below noel towards 43 (and past) is worth a look. I'll give it a try.