Expert Guided Night Bowfishing Adventures on Great Lakes
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Night bowfishing adventures on Great Lakes and inland watersSmall group capacity limited to two guests maximumFlexible day scheduling with direct captain communication
There's something special about bowfishing after dark that gets your blood pumping like nothing else. When the sun goes down and those underwater lights fire up, the Great Lakes and inland waters come alive with opportunities most anglers never see. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel fishing – we're talking about combining archery skills with fish hunting instincts for a top-rated adventure that'll have you talking for years. Whether you want to target the deep, cold waters of the Great Lakes or stick closer to shore on inland lakes, this 2-person charter puts you right in the action when the fish are most active.
Your night starts at 9PM when the real action begins, though we can work with your schedule if you're looking for a day trip – just give us a call after booking and we'll figure out what works best. Most folks prefer the night trips because that's when these fish really get moving and our underwater lighting system turns the lake bottom into a clear hunting ground. You'll be working from a stable platform with professional-grade bowfishing equipment, and don't worry if you've never drawn a bow on fish before – your captain will walk you through everything from stance to shot placement. The boat's equipped with powerful LED lights that penetrate the water column, illuminating your targets and giving you that perfect sight picture you need for a clean shot. This customer favorite experience works whether we're cruising the massive expanses of the Great Lakes or working the shallower, more intimate settings of inland waters.
We've got you covered with recurve bows, arrows, and retrieval systems that are built specifically for bowfishing. The arrows are attached to heavy-duty line that lets you reel in your catch without losing your shot. Your captain will show you how to compensate for light refraction in the water – fish aren't always where they appear to be, and that's the biggest learning curve for new bowfishers. The key is aiming low and leading your target if it's moving. Our lighting setup includes both underwater and above-water LED arrays that create the perfect hunting environment while staying legal and fish-friendly. You'll learn to read the water, spot movement patterns, and time your shots for maximum effectiveness. The boat positioning is crucial too – we'll drift and motor quietly to get you in range without spooking the fish.
Lake Whitefish are some of the most rewarding targets you'll find in these waters. These silvery beauties typically run 2-4 pounds and love cruising the shallows during night hours, especially in late spring through early fall. They're curious fish that often approach the lights, giving you multiple shot opportunities. What makes them exciting is their unpredictable movement patterns – one minute they're gliding slowly, the next they're darting in different directions. The meat is world-class eating too, so you're getting dinner and a great fight.
Longnose Gar are the prehistoric-looking fish that get everyone's adrenaline going. These living fossils can stretch 3-4 feet long and their bony, elongated snouts make them look like something from another era. They're ambush predators that often hang motionless near the surface before exploding into action. Spring through summer is prime time for gar, and they're most active in warmer water temperatures. The challenge with gar is their thick, diamond-shaped scales that require precise shot placement, but landing one of these ancient fish is a trophy moment you won't forget.
Cisco are schooling fish that create some of the most fast-paced bowfishing action you'll experience. These silvery fish typically run 12-16 inches and travel in groups, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. They're most active during cooler months and prefer deeper water that our lights can still penetrate. Cisco move quickly and erratically, making them perfect for bowfishers who want to test their reflexes and accuracy under pressure.
Freshwater Drum, also called sheepshead, are the workhorse fish that provide consistent action throughout the season. These bottom-dwellers can weigh anywhere from 2-10 pounds and they're not picky about water conditions or time of year. They make a distinctive drumming sound that you can actually hear underwater, and they're known for their strong fights even after being shot. Drum often feed in shallow areas at night, making them ideal targets for bowfishing adventures.
Channel Catfish round out the target list with their whiskers and bottom-feeding behavior that brings them into perfect shooting range. These fish are active year-round but really turn on during warmer months when they move into shallower feeding areas. Cats can range from 2-15 pounds in these waters, and they're known for their tenacious nature – even a well-placed shot doesn't always end the fight immediately. They're excellent eating and provide that satisfying challenge that keeps bowfishers coming back for more.
This 2-person night bowfishing adventure delivers the kind of hands-on fishing experience that photos can't capture. You're getting professional equipment, expert guidance, and access to some of the best bowfishing waters in the region. Whether you choose the vast hunting grounds of the Great Lakes or the intimate setting of inland waters, you'll be targeting species that most anglers never get a chance to pursue. The combination of archery skills, fish behavior knowledge, and nighttime hunting creates memories that last long after you've cleaned your catch. Captain will call you after booking to lock in your preferred schedule and discuss which waters are fishing best for your target species. Don't wait – these night trips book up fast, especially during peak season when the fish are most active.
This motorboat is built for serious night bowfishing action on the Great Lakes and inland waters. With room for 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to draw your bow and land those big carp, gar, and other rough fish. The boat's lighting system cuts through the darkness to spot fish cruising below the surface, while the stable platform gives you steady footing for accurate shots. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will position you over the best fishing spots where the action heats up after dark. Most trips kick off at 9PM when fish are most active, but day trips work around your schedule. Whether you're targeting massive carp in the shallows or stalking gar along drop-offs, this setup gives you everything needed for a productive night on the water.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel catfish are the workhorses of freshwater fishing, with their whiskers, forked tails, and slippery, scaleless bodies. These omnivores average decent size but can push 20-40 pounds in good waters. They're bottom feeders with incredible senses - their entire body acts like one big taste bud, perfect for finding food in murky water. They love structure like logs, rock piles, and deep holes in lakes and rivers. Night fishing is prime time since they're more active feeding after dark. Guests appreciate their excellent eating quality and steady action. Pro tip: stinkbaits or cheese baits work magic because of the amino acids that trigger their feeding response. Use sharp hooks - their mouths are tough as leather.
Coregonus ArtediCisco are slender silver fish with gray backs that school up in large numbers, especially during late fall spawning runs. They average 10-15 inches and 1-2 pounds, with a pointed snout and protruding lower jaw that sets them apart from lake whitefish. These cold-water fish stay in mid-depths most of the year but come shallow in winter, making ice season prime time. They're carnivores feeding on plankton, small minnows, and mayflies. Guests love them for their sweet, delicate meat - some of the best eating in the lakes. Winter is your best bet when large schools gather near the surface. Pro tip: small spoons and jigs work great, but keep your presentations light since they spook easily when disturbed.
Aplodinotus GrunniensFreshwater drum are one of the most reliable fish you'll encounter - silver-scaled bottom dwellers that average 10-14 inches and 1-8 pounds. They're called "drum" because males make grunting sounds during spawning by vibrating muscles against their air bladder. These fish live on lake and river bottoms, constantly searching for snails, clams, crayfish, and small fish with their powerful crushing teeth. They're abundant year-round but peak in summer. While they won't win any fighting contests, they're steady action and some anglers pull 50+ in a trip. They prefer clear, shallow water with some vegetation. Pro tip: natural baits like crayfish tails or nightcrawlers on bottom work best - they're not picky eaters and will hit almost anything.
Coregonus ClupeaformisLake whitefish are a solid target in the Great Lakes, running 12-26 inches and 2-4 pounds on average. These silver-sided fish with greenish backs are part of the salmon family but feed differently - they cruise lake bottoms hunting insects, freshwater shrimp, and small fish with their small mouths. Fall and winter are prime time when they move shallow for spawning, though they'll retreat to 200+ feet deep in summer heat. They're prized for their excellent eating quality and commercial value. The challenge is their delicate mouths make hooksets tricky. Pro tip: use small hooks with fish eggs or tiny jigs under a float - their feeding style means gentle presentations work best.
Lepisosteus OsseusLongnose gar are perfect for bowfishing with their long snouts and torpedo-shaped bodies reaching 28-48 inches. These olive-green ambush predators lurk in vegetation and shallow areas, especially active at night when we run most trips. They're found in both Great Lakes and inland waters, preferring areas with cover where they can snap up small fish, insects, and crustaceans. What makes them fun is the challenge - their narrow mouths mean traditional hooks don't work, making bowfishing the go-to method. They put up a decent fight and have unique chicken-like meat texture. Night trips are ideal since they're naturally nocturnal hunters. Look for them cruising near vegetation lines where they use cover to ambush prey.
Saginaw Bay, MI