Lake Travis Bow Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Bow fishing adventure on Lake Travis for groupsSeason runs June through September with guide serviceAccommodates up to 8 guests starting at $450
Looking for a bow fishing trip that's different from your typical rod-and-reel day? Lake Travis bow fishing puts you right in the action with some of Texas's most exciting rough fish species. This isn't your grandpa's quiet morning on the water - we're talking about precision shots, quick reflexes, and the satisfaction of landing fish with ancient hunting techniques. Our bow fishing charters run from June through September when the water's warm and fish are most active in the shallows. With space for up to 8 people, this is perfect for groups looking to try something new or seasoned bow hunters wanting to test their skills on the water.
Your Lake Travis bow fishing adventure starts at $450 for the group, with each additional angler at $150 up to our 8-person max. We'll meet you at one of Travis's launch points and get you set up with everything you need - bows, arrows, and polarized glasses to cut through the surface glare. The boat we use is specifically rigged for bow fishing with raised platforms and LED lighting systems for those prime evening shots. You'll spend your time cruising the shallows and coves where carp and gar like to cruise just below the surface. The key to successful bow fishing is patience mixed with quick decision-making - fish move fast and you've got to account for light refraction when you're aiming through the water. Don't worry if you've never drawn a bow before; we'll get you comfortable with the equipment and shooting technique before we start hunting fish.
Bow fishing combines archery skills with fish hunting, and the gear is specialized for water work. We provide recurve bows set up with heavy draw weights - usually 40-50 pounds - because you need that power to drive arrows through water resistance. The arrows are heavier than typical hunting arrows and fitted with barbed points designed to hold fish securely. Each arrow is attached to the bow with heavy fishing line and a retrieval reel, so you can pull your catch back to the boat. The technique takes some getting used to - you're shooting at fish that appear closer to the surface than they actually are due to light refraction. Most beginners aim too high at first, but once you get the hang of compensating for that optical illusion, you'll be connecting with targets consistently. We'll position the boat in shallow areas where fish are easiest to spot, typically 2-6 feet of water where the bottom is visible and fish stand out against the lake bed.
Longnose Gar are the prize catch for most bow fishing trips on Lake Travis. These prehistoric-looking fish can stretch 3-4 feet long and move with surprising speed through the shallows. Gar have tough, diamond-shaped scales and long, narrow snouts filled with needle-sharp teeth - they're perfectly designed predators that haven't changed much in millions of years. Summer months are prime time for gar because they move into shallow water to feed and are easier to spot from the boat. When you connect with a big gar, expect a fight - they'll thrash and roll, trying to throw the arrow. Landing one feels like you've caught a piece of ancient Texas waters.
Grass Carp are another favorite target, and these vegetarian giants can weigh 20-30 pounds or more. They're introduced species that help control aquatic vegetation in Texas lakes, but they've become popular bow fishing targets because of their size and the challenge they present. Grass carp are spookier than gar - they'll bolt at the slightest shadow or vibration, so successful shots require patience and precision. These fish cruise slowly through shallow areas, especially early morning and late evening, making them perfect for bow hunting. When you arrow a big grass carp, you're in for a serious battle as they use their bulk and power to try breaking free.
Common Carp round out our target species list and they're probably the most reliable fish you'll encounter during your trip. These bronze-colored bottom feeders are active throughout the warmer months and less finicky than grass carp about boat noise and movement. Common carp typically run 5-15 pounds on Lake Travis and often travel in small schools, so connecting with one fish can lead to multiple shot opportunities. They're perfect for beginners learning bow fishing techniques because they move predictably and hold still long enough for careful aim. Don't let their reputation as rough fish fool you - carp are smart, strong fighters that will test your equipment and skills.
Lake Travis bow fishing season runs June 1st through September 30th, and these summer dates fill up fast with groups looking for something different from regular fishing trips. The warm water brings fish into the shallows where bow fishing works best, and longer daylight hours mean more time to perfect your shooting technique. Here's the important part - you need to call or text directly at 512-968-4028 to book your trip. Online bookings without phone contact might get cancelled due to scheduling conflicts, so save yourself the headache and give us a ring. We'll talk through the best dates for your group size, go over what to bring, and make sure everyone knows what to expect. Whether you're introducing kids to bow hunting, planning a bachelor party with a twist, or just want to try something completely different on Lake Travis, bow fishing delivers an experience that combines skill, patience, and the satisfaction of harvesting fish with techniques our ancestors used thousands of years ago.
Ready to target some gar and carp on Lake Travis? This 27-foot coastal skiff is built for serious bow fishing action. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet as you stalk fish in shallow water, while the fish finder helps locate schools hanging in deeper spots. GPS navigation means you'll never lose track of those productive honey holes along the shoreline. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to draw and shoot, with bait tanks keeping everything fresh. Perfect for up to 3 anglers who want to experience bow fishing Texas-style on one of the state's premier lakes. Night fishing setups available for those monster gar that come up after dark.
Cyprinus CarpioThese golden-bronze bottom feeders are built like bulldozers and fight twice as hard. Running 15-30 inches and 10-25 pounds on average, common carp have that classic hump-backed profile with barbels near their mouth. They love muddy flats, shallow bays, and areas with soft bottom where they root around for food. Spring and fall are peak times when they move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively. What bowfishers love about carp is their tenacity - they'll drag you around the boat and never quit fighting. Plus they're doing the lake a favor since they're invasive and stir up sediment that hurts native fish habitat. Best strategy: find them tailing in 2-4 feet of water on calm days, especially around creek mouths and protected coves.
Ctenopharyngodon IdellaThese silver-scaled giants are some of the biggest fish you'll target on Lake Travis, averaging 15-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. Originally from Asia, they're plant-eaters with thick, muscular bodies and small eyes. You'll find them in shallow vegetated areas during warmer months, especially around weed beds and structure. Grass carp are notorious for their aerial acrobatics when arrowed - they'll jump clean out of the water and fight hard all the way to the boat. Summer evenings are prime time when they cruise near the surface feeding. The meat's excellent eating, firm and mild. Key tip: watch for subtle surface disturbances in weedy coves - they're spooky fish, so approach quietly and take your shot when they're focused on feeding.
Lepisosteus OsseusThese prehistoric-looking fish are what most folks call "common gar" - torpedo-shaped with that signature long, narrow snout full of sharp teeth. They run 28-48 inches typically, though we've seen some real monsters pushing 6 feet. Longnose gar are ambush hunters that hang around vegetation in shallow to mid-depth water, especially active at night during our summer season. What makes them perfect for bowfishing is they're tough fighters and come to the surface regularly to gulp air with that primitive swim bladder. The meat's actually pretty good - tastes like chicken with an alligator twist. Pro tip: look for them cruising near submerged timber and grass lines around dusk when they're hunting baitfish.
Lago Vista, Texas, USA