Anyone 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

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

I read some posts about Gar on the James. Was hoping to find a more local Gar hole (near Joplin) but would be more then willing to give the James a try if I can't find some around here. Was going to canoe some local waters (Elk, maybe Shoal) but thought I might try wade fishing some spots for Gar on the James. Any suggestions on access points?

Cheers.

[Bird Watcher]

There's all you want to catch on Spring River From West of town down through KS to Grand Lake. There will be some in all the creeks in spots, but Spring River is loaded with them. So is Neosho River and Grand Lake for that matter. They become a real pain there's so many of them tearing up your lures and stealing your bait.

[Bird Watcher]

Actually, I'll tell you where there is a super gar hole. Bicentennial access on Spring River South of Baxter Springs. What the locals call "Blue Hole" The big deep hole at the top of the gravel bar beside the bluffs on the West side of the river is loaded with gar. Probably one of the biggest gar holes I can think of. There will also be lots of them around all the riffles that far up Spring River.

[Gavin]

They usually hang in deep slow water...They arent hard to spot...toss a canoe in the water, cover some ground, and keep your eyes peeled...You will find plenty of them, just about anywhere...

[Wayne SW/MO]

They generally hang close to the surface this time of the year. They beat the low O2 by gulping air and this is why they stay up.

They're hard to hook and in fact all most impossible, but the rope lures work well if you remember to give them a little pause and don't forget you don't have a hook and try to set it.

[Aaron J Scott]

Here's some intel:

[Genome]

Thanks for the info gentlemen. I am going to head to Spring River this weekend Bird Watcher...hopefully I will have some luck and can put together a decent TR!

[Slewfoot dan]

I've spotted several good sized gar in center creek west of Joplin. Never went after em but I've spooked several in the shallows while chasing my favorite quarry, the bluegill.

[Genome]

TR under general angling discussion. Thanks again Bird Watcher!