Day Bowfishing Trip - Michigan Waters
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Day bowfishing targeting 14 different Michigan fish speciesGreat Lakes and inland waters accessible for fishingSmall group experience with maximum two guests
Michigan's waters are loaded with opportunities for bowfishing enthusiasts who prefer hunting fish during daylight hours. This day trip opens up both Great Lakes waters and inland spots where you can target up to 14 different species with your bow. Whether you're new to bowfishing or looking to add some variety to your usual angling routine, this guided experience puts you on the fish while the sun's up. Perfect for those who'd rather skip the late-night grind but still want that rush of drawing back on a quality fish.
Your day starts with meeting up at the launch point, where we'll get you set up with everything you need for a successful bowfishing session. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel fishing trip - we're talking about combining archery skills with fish hunting in Michigan's prime waters. You'll be working from a stable platform with good visibility into the water, scanning for targets cruising in the shallows or suspended in clearer sections. The beauty of day bowfishing is the clarity - you can actually see what you're shooting at, making it easier to pick your shots and learn the ropes if you're just getting started. With a maximum of 2 guests, you'll get plenty of individual attention and coaching to improve your technique throughout the day.
We provide all the bowfishing equipment, including bows, arrows, and retrieval systems, so you don't need to worry about hauling your own gear. The arrows are specifically designed for underwater shooting with barbed points and strong line attachments. You'll learn how to account for light refraction - fish aren't actually where they appear to be underwater, so we'll teach you the "aim low" rule and help you dial in your shots. The key is smooth drawing and quick release once you've locked onto a target. Different species require different approaches too - some are spookier and need longer shots, while others will let you get surprisingly close. We'll move between spots based on conditions and fish activity, covering both shallow bays where fish are easier to spot and deeper edges where bigger specimens hang out.
Cisco are one of the more challenging and rewarding targets you'll encounter on this trip. These silvery fish typically run in schools and can be found in both Great Lakes waters and deeper inland lakes. They're most active during cooler parts of the day and tend to move in predictable patterns once you locate them. What makes cisco exciting is their size - they can reach 12-15 inches - and the fact that they're excellent table fare if you want to keep a few for dinner.
Brown Bullhead offer a completely different bowfishing experience since they're bottom-dwellers that cruise slowly through shallower areas. These catfish relatives are perfect for beginners because they move deliberately and aren't as spooky as other species. You'll typically find them in 2-4 feet of water, especially around muddy or sandy bottoms. They're most active during warmer parts of the day and can reach 8-12 inches, making them satisfying targets for new bowfishers.
Common Carp are the bread and butter of Michigan bowfishing, and for good reason. These fish can grow massive - we're talking 15-25 pounds in some waters - and they provide incredible fights once you stick them. Carp are smart and can be challenging to approach, but they're worth the effort. They cruise shallow areas feeding and spawning during spring and early summer, making them prime targets. The satisfaction of landing a big carp with your bow is hard to beat.
Bowfin are like shooting prehistoric fish - these ancient predators have been around for millions of years and show it with their primitive appearance and tough fighting ability. They're ambush predators that hang around cover and can explode into action when threatened. Bowfin typically range from 18-24 inches and are incredibly strong fighters. They're most active during late spring and early summer in shallow, weedy areas where they spawn.
Burbot might be the most unique target on this list since they're the only freshwater cod species. These fish look almost eel-like and are typically found in deeper, cooler waters during the day. They're more challenging to locate but incredibly rewarding to shoot. Burbot can reach 15-20 inches and are excellent eating, with white, flaky meat similar to their saltwater cod cousins. They're most active in fall and winter, but can be found year-round in the right spots.
Day bowfishing combines the precision of archery with the unpredictability of fishing, creating a unique outdoor experience that's growing fast among Michigan anglers. You'll leave with new skills, great memories, and probably some fish for the table if you choose to keep your catch. The intimate 2-person capacity means you get personalized instruction and plenty of shooting opportunities. Whether you're looking to try something different from traditional angling or want to sharpen your bowfishing skills in proven waters, this day trip delivers. Michigan's diverse fish populations and varied water types make it one of the top bowfishing destinations in the Midwest, and there's no better way to experience it than with an experienced guide who knows where the fish are and how to put you on them.
This reliable motorboat gets you and a buddy out on Michigan's prime bowfishing waters during daylight hours. Built for steady shots and easy movement around the boat, she handles great on both the Great Lakes and smaller inland spots. The open layout gives you clear sight lines and plenty of room to draw your bow without bumping elbows. Perfect for targeting carp, gar, suckers, and all the other species Michigan waters offer up. Two-person capacity keeps things simple and gives everyone space to work. Whether you're stalking fish in the shallows or cruising deeper water looking for schools, this boat puts you right where the action is. Great for anglers who prefer their bowfishing when they can actually see what they're aiming at instead of fumbling around in the dark.
Amia CalvaBowfin are living dinosaurs - prehistoric fighters that'll make your day interesting with their explosive power and nasty attitude. These olive-green bruisers average 18-24 inches for males, while females can push 30 inches and 8+ pounds. They lurk in weedy shallows, backwater areas, and anywhere other fish can't handle low oxygen. Spring through fall they're most active, especially in warmer water. What guests love is the raw fight - they thrash, jump, and never quit. Plus, there's the cool factor of catching something that survived since the Jurassic era. Look for them in heavy cover like cattails and lily pads in 2-8 feet of water. They're aggressive predators that'll slam cut bait, especially bluegill chunks. Fair warning: these fish have teeth and attitude, so handle with care. Pro tip: fish near vegetation during daylight hours - they're not as nocturnal as people think when conditions are right.
Ameiurus NebulosusBrown bullheads are tough, scrappy bottom-dwellers that thrive in Michigan's murky ponds, slow rivers, and marshy areas. These catfish run 8-12 inches typically, with chocolate-brown coloring and those signature whiskers that help them hunt in muddy water. They're most active during warm weather and really turn on at night, making them perfect for evening trips. What guests love is their willingness to bite - they're not picky eaters and will hammer worms, chicken liver, or cut bait. The fight's solid for their size, and they've got personality. They prefer soft bottoms where they can root around for food, usually in 3-8 feet of water. Spring through early fall is prime time when water temps climb. Here's the trick: use a slip sinker rig and let your bait sit right on the bottom in muddy areas. Don't worry about the slime - that's just how these guys are built.
Cyprinus CarpioCommon carp are the bulldozers of our waters - stocky, powerful fish averaging 15-30 inches and 10-20 pounds that'll give you a serious workout. They cruise shallow bays and slow sections of rivers, rooting through muddy bottoms for food. Spring and fall are money times when they move shallow to feed aggressively before and after spawning. What makes them fun is the pure strength - they'll strip line and fight dirty, using their weight against you. Most folks are shocked by how hard these fish pull. You'll find them in 3-12 feet of water around vegetation and drop-offs. They spook easily, so stay quiet and avoid shiny gear that might flash in the water. My go-to tip: use a hair rig with corn or boilies when they're being picky about hooks. These fish have been around the block and can be surprisingly finicky despite their reputation as garbage disposals.
Lota LotaBurbot are the weird cousins of the fish world - they look like a cross between an eel and cod, with that distinctive chin barbel. These snake-like fish average 16 inches but can grow much larger in the right conditions. They're cold-water lovers that actually get more active when other fish shut down, making winter the prime season. What's cool about them is they're the only freshwater cod, so it's a unique catch most anglers never experience. They hang out in deep, cold lakes and rivers, usually on muddy or rocky bottoms. Unlike most fish, they spawn under ice in winter, making them active when everything else is sluggish. They're not picky eaters - cut bait from perch, trout, or northern pike works great. The fight's decent, but it's more about the novelty factor. Here's my tip: use a glow jig and recharge it every 15-20 minutes. These fish are attracted to that flash, especially in dark water.
Coregonus ArtediCisco run in big schools throughout Michigan's Great Lakes and deeper inland waters, usually staying in mid-water columns. These silvery fish average 10-15 inches and pack into shallow areas during late fall spawning, making them prime targets when the water's cold. Winter ice fishing is when they really shine - you'll find massive schools just below the surface. They're scrappy fighters for their size and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The key is fishing light tackle with small jigs or spoons since they spook easily. During summer months, they head to deeper, cooler water, so you'll need to drop your presentation down. Most folks are surprised by how aggressive they can be once you locate a school. Pro tip: when you find one cisco, there's usually a hundred more nearby, so work that spot thoroughly before moving on.
Saginaw Bay, MI