Longnose Gar
The Longnose Gar is fierce predator, scaly, needle‐nosed, and quite large, often growing to 1 metre in length and to a weight of 10 kilograms. Although scary to look at, it is in fact a common species in the Ottawa River. It's an ancient species, dating back to the Cretaceous period of up to 140 million years ago.

Fish

Common Fish living in the Ottawa River watershed

  • Muskellunge
  • Pike
  • Walleye
  • Sauger (similar to Walleye)
  • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • Longnose Gar

Fish at risk

  • American Shad (due to Hydro)
  • Eels (due to Hydro)
  • River Redhorse (Southern regions, sensitive to pollution)
  • Lake Sturgeon

There are 85 species of fish documented in the Ottawa River, living in habitats ranging from slow-moving waters, deep and shallow lakes and wetlands. Most of the diversity happens close to shallow shoreline areas. Fish are most affected by hydroelectric dams.