Anglers looking to land a trophy fish in Arkansas can apply for a 2026 Alligator Gar Trophy Tag through the end of December.
Alligator gar, a prehistoric-looking species that dates back to the Cretaceous Period, can grow more than 7 feet long and weigh over 200 pounds. They are the second-largest freshwater fish in North America, behind only the white sturgeon. The state record, a 215-pound catch from the Arkansas River in 1964, far exceeds the next-largest recorded catch, a 128-pound paddlefish from Beaver Lake in 2024.
The species matures slowly, with females not reproducing until age 14, and their populations have been affected by habitat loss and past misconceptions about their impact on other game species.
Alligator gar may be caught on a catch-and-release basis without a tag, but anglers must have an Alligator Gar Trophy Tag to keep any fish longer than 36 inches. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is offering 200 tags for the 2026 season. Applications cost $5 and are available through the AGFC Licensing Catalog under “Fishing Stamps/Permits.” The application period runs from Dec. 1-31, with a drawing on Jan. 2, 2026. Winners will be notified by email.
Alligator gar harvest is prohibited from noon May 1 to noon July 1. Any harvested fish must be temporarily tagged before leaving the water and reported within 12 hours using the AGFC mobile app.
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