New gar possession limit takes effect

Spearers, anglers and bowfishers are allowed to keep up to 10 gar – the toothy, prehistoric fish native to Minnesota waters – starting today, when a new gar possession limit takes effect on all Minnesota inland and border waters.

The limit applies to longnose and shortnose gar, which previously could be kept in unlimited numbers, and is among other new regulations in the 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet.

The gar regulation change is part of a larger effort to sustainably manage gar and other native fish including buffalo, sucker, freshwater drum, bowfin, goldeye and bullhead, because they are critical contributors to aquatic ecosystems. The gar limit was established after 2021 legislation requiring the DNR determine and set a limit for that species.