Southern Indiana's Best Bowfishing Weekend
If you've been looking for a way to combine your love of archery with fishing, bowfishing on Southern Indiana's rivers is about to become your new obsession. This isn't your typical day on the water - we're talking about a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping adventure where you'll be drawing back your bow on some seriously impressive fish. The White River system here is loaded with rough fish species that make perfect targets, and with Captain John and the Broken Nock crew, you're getting guided by folks who know these waters like their own backyard.
What to Expect on the Water
Your weekend bowfishing adventure runs for a solid 5 hours from ramp to ramp, giving you plenty of time to dial in your shooting and rack up some serious numbers. We're launching into prime bowfishing territory where the water holds massive populations of common carp, buffalo, grass carp, and both species of gar. The boat accommodates up to 4 shooters, so you can bring your buddies or make it a family tradition. Captain John runs a well-equipped rig with all the lights and gear you need to spot fish in the shallows and backwaters where these species love to cruise. The crew provides top-notch equipment, but if you've got your own bow setup dialed in, feel free to bring it along. This is hands-on fishing at its finest - when you see a fish, you draw, aim, and let it fly.
Bow Setup & River Tactics
Bowfishing might look straightforward, but there's definitely technique involved, especially when you're shooting into moving water. The refraction throws off your aim, so you'll need to aim low - something the guides will coach you through until it becomes second nature. Most shots happen in shallow water under bright lights, where you can spot fish cruising or feeding along the bottom. The White River has plenty of backwater areas and tributaries where rough fish congregate, and Captain John knows exactly which spots are producing on any given night. You'll be shooting from a stable platform with good lighting, but the fish don't just sit there waiting - when you see your shot, you've got to take it. The deckhand is right there to help you land fish, untangle lines, and keep everything running smooth so you can focus on shooting.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Fantastic trip as usual !!! Captain John and Gavin did a great job. The fish were there, the shots were available...we took them !!! We put 47 in the boat and had a fabulous time!!!" - Jeremy
"This was our 3rd outing with Broken Nock and it didn't dissapoint !!! Captain John, and his deckhand Tyler, were awesome. There is no shortage of fish in the White River !!! We ended the trip with exactly 100 fish in 7 different species on the boat !!! It will not be our last trip with Broken Nock !!!!" - Jeremy
"John and his crew are top tier guides! Felt safe and comfortable the whole time! On top of that we had a blast. It's definitely harder than it seems but once you get the hang of it the adrenaline doesn't stop. Can't wait to try it again." - Eric
Target Species Breakdown
Common carp are the bread and butter of bowfishing here in Southern Indiana, and for good reason. These fish grow big - we're talking 10 to 30 pounds regularly - and they're active year-round in the right conditions. Carp love to cruise the shallows feeding on vegetation and bottom debris, making them perfect targets for bowfishing. They're surprisingly strong fighters even with an arrow in them, so be ready for some action when you connect. Spring through fall offers the best shooting, especially during warmer evenings when they move into the shallows to feed.
Bigmouth buffalo are absolute tanks that'll test your shooting skills and your gear. These native fish can push 40 pounds or more and have this habit of moving in small schools through productive areas. When you find buffalo, you often find multiple fish, which means rapid-fire shooting opportunities if you can stay calm and accurate. They're bottom feeders that cruise slowly, giving you time to line up your shot, but their thick, muscular bodies mean you need good arrow penetration to anchor them properly.
Longnose gar bring a prehistoric element to your bowfishing adventure. These living fossils have been around for millions of years, and when you see that long snout and armored body gliding through the water, you'll understand why. Gar can stretch over three feet and provide challenging shots because of their narrow profile. They're ambush predators that often hold motionless near structure before exploding into action. Summer nights are prime time for gar, especially in backwater areas where they hunt for smaller fish.
Shortnose gar offer similar excitement in a more compact package. These fish typically run smaller than their longnose cousins but make up for it with aggressive behavior and excellent eating quality if you're planning to keep some fish. They're often found in the same areas as longnose gar but tend to be more active during twilight hours. Their shorter profile actually makes them trickier targets - you've got less margin for error on your shot placement.
Grass carp are the giants of the bowfishing world here, with some specimens pushing 50 pounds or more. These vegetarian monsters were introduced to control aquatic vegetation, and they've thrived in Southern Indiana's river systems. Grass carp are incredibly spooky and strong, making them the ultimate challenge for serious bowfishers. When you connect with a big grass carp, you're in for a battle that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They're most active during warmer months and often feed near the surface in areas with heavy vegetation.
Time to Book Your Spot
5.0(19 Reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Top Rated
Southern Indiana
Target carp, buffalo, and gar species in Southern Indiana waters
