As I began to manage (5 years ago) the 3 acre retention pond in my backyard along with the other trash fish that I removed, was a single 3lb Gar. I thought that he was the only one in the pond as I had never caught or seen another. I have no idea how he got there, as there is no river or creek near that might would allow him to get into the pond.

I have not seen another gar in the pond till yesterday. He seems to be about a 1lb fish swimming with a LMB about his size. I am baffled. If there was a breeding population, I would think I would have seen one in the last 5 years.

Gar are hardy fish and can handle some very poor water quality from low DO to highly acidic. 3 is a pretty decent size to hide in... If easily accessed from a road, you'd be amazed at what bucket stockers will bring, wanted and unwanted alike!

I expect that you have a misguided but well meaning friend that is helping you with the stocking.