Gar On The Fly

[Fishingmill]

I tried targeting gar on the fly yesterday on the Meramec where Maramec Spring empties into the river. I caught a few bass but didn't have any luck connecting with any gar.

Anyone have any suggestions of a good spot for wading to fly fish for gar on the Meramec or around St. Louis?

I've been to a few lakes and creeks in St. Louis, but the gar I've found are not very consistent with the flooding.

[DownStream]

The Huzzah conservation area has good wading access on the Meramec,Coutois, and the Huzzah. Look for slower deep pools. Sometimes it seems like, when wading around gar, they want let you know they are around. Smacking the water, sipping air on the surface, and always following my cranks but never a hook up. Also, the big river and bourbouse are other good options fairly close to St. Louis.

[sms_alum]

The pool where the Meremac elbows right before suicide hill is always loaded with gar. It's not far from where you were fishing just below the springs.

[fishinwrench]

Gar that are cruising around sipping and slurping are often hard to get a serious bite from. If you can find one just sitting and run your bait parallel to him, preferably coming from behind, you'll get a solid take (deeper in his mouth) almost every time.

[Fishingmill]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'll have to check out Huzzah CA and further down the Meramec.

Fishinwrench, thanks for the advice. I've found getting a good presenation to be the hardest part fly fishing for gar. I've had a little luck throwing mouse flies for cruising gar in lakes and shallow creeks. Just need more practice.

[jdmidwest]

I like a hot sunny day when they are near the top. Cast in front or to the side, they will attack most of the time with a sidewards sweeping motion.

[snagged in outlet 3]

The best gar hole I've seen in a while is 370 Lakeside Park in St Peters MO.

The place is filthy with em and you can walk around the bank easy enough.

I prefer nylon rope for them.

Easy to cast and it tangles in their teeth.

I use white with the head area painted red.

It's very difficult to get a hook into a big one.

Pete

[moguy1973]

Mallard lake behind Creve Couer park is full of them too.

[bikehikefish]

A couple weeks ago there were dozens stacked up where the Dry Fork dumps into the Meramec, just downstream from the pilings.

+1 on the nylon rope gar fly. You don't need a hook.

[Fishingmill]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I haven't tried the rope fly. May have to use thag next time I am out.