All laws, rules, regulations or orders in conflict with the Three are cave dwellers, said Dustin Lynch, aquatic ecologist with the Heritage Commission. All rights reserved. It weighted more than me. During the last 100 years, the agency has overseen the protection, conservation and preservation of various species of fish and wildlife in Arkansas. This remarkable fish offers great freshwater action and a rush of excitement to everyone who tries to catch it. The scale of an Alligator Gar is so tough that people used to use them as arrowheads! Their eggs are highly poisonous and you should avoid them at all costs. Shamefully, Arkansas is currently one of only five states in the nation without a state fish. The rest of their body is shaped like a torpedo, and they’re usually olive-brown. The Alligator Gar t is a stunning fish that is the state fish of Arkansas. John Storz has one in the refuge center I think so. Of course four states have no official state fish at all: Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, and Ohio. The state of Arkansas has a wide variety of freshwater fish species in its rivers, lakes, and streams. In addition to having a permit, there are a few more rules for harvesting Alligator Gar. 2015 Fayetteville, Arkansas: The University of Arkansas Press. We were told to kill them so bass and crappie could thrive. Average annual salary was … Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission. Besides Arkansas, you can also find them in Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma. Enjoy summer walleye fishing with minnows, jibs, crankbaits and spoons in Arkansas. These fish love slow rivers, landlocked lakes, reservoirs, oxbows, and brackish estuarine waters. Just a couple of months after Henry launched the campaign, governor Hutchinson signed the bill, making Alligator Gar the official state fish and one young boy very happy! The permit helps AGFC biologists gather important details on the Alligator Gar harvest in the state. Experience fly fishing in the Ozarks, angling on the serene lakes in the Arkansas Delta, or even attempt bowfishing or spearfishing. Back then it was a shoot what you saw type thing. Arkansas River Claude Eubanks: December 15, 1976: Saugeye: 6 lbs 1 oz: Crown Lake Cleveland Henderson: February 5, 1993: Shadow Bass: 1 lbs 12 oz: Spring River James E. Baker: July 5, 1999: Shovelnose Sturgeon: 1 lbs 7 oz: Arkansas River: Ricky Ozment: May 1, 2000: Silver Carp: 51 lbs 5 oz: Arkansas River Gregory Mitchell: July 31, 2008: Skipjack Herring: 2 lbs 13 oz Alligator Gar can’t be taken from the water after noon between May 1 and July 1. The Official Website of the State of Arkansas ... Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission Oversight Committee; Personnel Search. There’s some crazy stuff living back in the Cache river. You can also find the White River, Little Red River, the Mississippi River, and the aptly named Arkansas River flowing through the state’s borders. They’ve also been introduced to Thailand and Central America. Arkansas has a relatively rich fish fauna compared to neighboring states (which range between 148 and 319 fish species). Some species, such as the … https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-places-to-fish-in-arkansas-2212619 Arkansas State Archives One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Phone: 501.682.6900 / Email: This project is produced (in part) by a grant from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council, funded by the Arkansas Real Estate Transfer Tax. Official fish listed by state. Fish taken from hatcheries and pay lakes are not eligible. If that’s not tough enough, then let’s let you in on another cool fact. This fish is ferocious and deserving of the state fish emblem. [16], Order: Lepisosteiformes, Family: Lepisosteidae, Order: Cypriniformes, Family: Leuciscidae, Order: Acipenseriformes, Family: Polyodontidae, Order: Acipenseriformes, Family: Acipenseridae, The three types of sturgeon native to Arkansas are uncommon, and two of the species are listed as endangered nationwide. The only place I ever caught one. ARKANSAS STATE GAME AND FISH COMMISSION . That’s the reason why many say they’re not good to eat. I’m not sure what you’re referring to. The biggest one they landed in those days weighted 245 lbs. It tipoed the scales at a mere 145 lbs. The AGFC issues only 100 of these permits every year between November 1 and December 31. "Aquatic Fish Report" (PDF). Ironically, back then they would tell us to “kill every one we could catch” I guess they were too hard on the “regular” fish? Arkansas Wildlife Action Plan. When we say that the Alligator Gar is a dinosaur fish, we’re not kidding. The kid won, and the alligator gar is one step closer to being the state fish. Have you ever caught an Alligator Gar? Dad commercial fished his whole life and remember the stories of them catching monsters or how bad one could destroy a net. Fish taken from club waters and private ponds will be considered if all other requirements are met. Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission Salaries . Dedicated group of individuals that fish all over the state of Arkansas. In addition to this, you should use a bobber to keep your bait close to the surface. Let us know in the comments below! It took an exotic fish and one boy’s dream to make the fish a legend around here. With pristine lakes, rivers, and fishing holes across the state, Arkansas is a haven for all types of fishermen. Ago when i was just a teenager landlocked lakes and unique Gator are! How a kid feels when they see a huge Gar for the first.. Another reason why people were quick to kill them fish, we ’ re not good eat... 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Free, global contest is open to youth 5-18 years old ( Grades K-12 ) tough and unique Gars...