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A greater appreciation for gar — Illinois’ misunderstood ‘dinosaur fish’

Amy Pease after a successful night of harvesting Illinois gar for the dinner table. Steele notes that the gar has a somewhat mythical reputation in the state’s waters. (Photo by Gretchen Steele)

On quiet summer mornings along southern Illinois backwaters, a slow roll near the surface of the water often appears before the fish does. A long shadow gliding between lotus stems. Then a quick gulp of air, and the ripple disappears into reflections of cottonwoods leaning toward the river.

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