Night Bowfishing Adventure on Lake of the Ozarks
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Night bowfishing adventure targeting multiple carp species and garSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests maximumProfessional charter service operating on scenic Lake of the Ozarks
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a boat under the cover of darkness, bow in hand, spotlights cutting through the water to reveal shadows moving beneath the surface. That's what you'll get with Loz Bowfishing & Adventure Charters on Missouri's legendary Lake of the Ozarks. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel fishing trip – we're talking about a top-rated bowfishing experience that combines the skill of archery with the excitement of targeting rough fish in one of the Midwest's premier fishing destinations. Captain Loz knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right where the action is hottest.
Your night starts when the sun goes down and the lake transforms into a completely different world. We'll cruise the shallows and backwater areas where rough fish come up to feed, using high-powered LED lights to illuminate the water column. The boat setup is designed specifically for bowfishing – stable platform, perfect lighting angles, and plenty of room for two anglers to move around safely. You'll be targeting species that most traditional anglers overlook, but trust me, these fish put up a serious fight when you stick them with an arrow. The Missouri Department of Conservation actually encourages bowfishing for these species since they're considered invasive or rough fish, so you're doing the lake ecosystem a favor while having the time of your life. Captain Loz provides all the guidance you need, whether you're a seasoned bowhunter or picking up a bow for the first time.
We provide all the bowfishing equipment you'll need – specialized recurve or compound bows rigged with heavy-duty reels and braided line. The arrows have barbed points that lock into the fish once you make contact, connected to the reel with 200-pound test line. The technique is all about reading the water, understanding light refraction, and timing your shot perfectly. Fish appear deeper than they actually are due to light bending, so we'll teach you how to aim low and lead moving targets. The boat's spotlight system creates shadows and highlights that help you distinguish between different species – carp have that distinctive golden flash, while gar look like floating logs until they move. Safety gear includes non-slip deck surfaces and proper lighting so you can move around confidently. The whole setup is designed for maximum efficiency and fish-finding success in Lake of the Ozarks' specific conditions.
The Freshwater Drum, locally called "sheepshead," are some of the most abundant targets in these waters. These silver-sided fighters typically run 2-8 pounds and love to cruise the shallow flats during warm nights. They're surprisingly strong for their size and make great eating if you're into fish fry. What makes drum exciting is their unpredictable movement – one second they're lazily swimming along, the next they're darting away from your light beam. Grass Carp are the real trophies of Lake of the Ozarks bowfishing. These vegetarian giants can exceed 30 pounds and look like submarines cruising just below the surface. They're incredibly wary, so getting a clean shot requires patience and stealth. When you connect with a big grass carp, you better hold on tight because they'll test your equipment and your arm strength. Common Carp are year-round residents that offer consistent action throughout the season. They range from 5-20 pounds typically, with bronze coloration that shows up beautifully under our lights. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily in shallow water. Bigmouth Buffalo are often mistaken for carp, but these native Missouri fish can grow absolutely massive – we're talking 40+ pound specimens. They're bottom feeders that occasionally surface, giving bowfishers a shot at a true monster. The fight is legendary, and landing one is definitely bragging rights material. Longnose Gar are the prehistoric-looking predators that add an element of surprise to every trip. Their armor-like scales and needle teeth make them look dangerous, but they're actually pretty docile until you try to boat them. Gar can reach 3-4 feet long in Lake of the Ozarks, and their torpedo-shaped bodies cut through the water with incredible speed when spooked.
Lake of the Ozarks bowfishing with Loz Bowfishing & Adventure Charters delivers an authentic Missouri fishing experience that you won't find anywhere else. The combination of night fishing, archery skills, and targeting species that most anglers never get to fight makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Whether you're looking to try something completely different or you're already hooked on bowfishing, Captain Loz's local knowledge and specialized equipment give you the best shot at a successful trip. The 2-person capacity means you get personalized attention and plenty of shooting opportunities without crowding. Plus, you're helping control invasive species populations while creating memories that'll last a lifetime. Don't wait – prime bowfishing season books up fast, and the best nights on the water happen when conditions are just right.
This specialized 2072 bow fishing boat puts you right in the action on Lake of the Ozarks' prime fishing waters. Built for nighttime hunting, she's equipped with a GPS navigation system to hit the best spots and a fish finder that'll help you locate schools of carp, gar, and drum lurking below the surface. The boat's design gives you a stable shooting platform whether you're targeting common carp in the shallows or going after those hefty buffalo carp in deeper water. During peak season, you might even get shots at the jumping silver carp and massive big head carp that call these waters home. With room for two anglers, there's plenty of space to draw your bow without crowding your fishing partner. The setup makes it easy to navigate the lake's coves and channels where grass carp like to feed, while the fish finder keeps you on top of the underwater structure that holds fish.
Ictiobus CyprinellusBigmouth buffalo are often mistaken for carp, but they're actually a unique native species that can live over 100 years. These bronze-green fish typically reach 17-20 inches and make excellent bowfishing targets because they feed near the surface, especially at night. Unlike carp, they're filter feeders with upward-facing mouths, cruising shallow areas for plankton and small organisms. What makes buffalo special is their rarity - they're becoming less common, so seeing one is always exciting. They put up a solid fight when hit, and their hefty build makes for good arrow penetration. The key difference from carp is their smooth dorsal fin without the serrated spine. My best tip: look for them in calm backwater areas during warm evenings. They often travel in small groups, so where you see one, there's usually more nearby.
Cyprinus CarpioCommon carp are perfect for bowfishing because they're abundant, good-sized targets that love shallow water. These golden-bronze fish typically weigh 4-31 pounds and average 15-31 inches long, with some real monsters pushing 40+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with barbels near their mouths, constantly rooting around in mud and vegetation for food. Spring and fall are prime times when they move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively. What guests love about carp is their incredible fight - they'll thrash, roll, and run hard when hit. They're also one of the most consistent species we see year-round. The trick is targeting muddy areas where you see them stirring up sediment. Look for that telltale muddy water and bubbles - that's where the carp are feeding and easiest to spot.
Aplodinotus GrunniensFreshwater drum are some of the most reliable targets we see on night bowfishing trips. These silver-bodied fish with their distinctive arched backs typically run 10-14 inches and weigh 1-8 pounds, though we occasionally spot bigger ones. They're bottom feeders that cruise shallow areas looking for snails and crayfish, making them perfect for bowfishing since they often come up near the surface at night. What makes drum special is the grunting sound males make during spawning - that's why locals call them "thunder pumpers." They're not the hardest fighters, but guests love them because they're abundant and fairly easy to hit. The key trick I share is to watch for their white bellies flashing as they roll - that's your shot opportunity right there.
Ctenopharyngodon IdellaGrass carp are the big herbivores of the lake, and they're some of the most challenging targets we pursue. These silver-scaled fish can reach 65-80 pounds and grow nearly five feet long, making them real trophies. They hang out in shallow areas with vegetation where they graze on aquatic plants, especially during warmer months. What makes them exciting is their explosive fight when hit - they'll jump clear out of the water and put up a serious battle. Finding them takes patience since they're spooky and can bolt at the slightest disturbance. The best shots come when they're cruising slowly through weed beds near the surface. My go-to tip: stay absolutely still and quiet when you spot one. Any sudden movement or noise will send these giants racing for deep water.
Lepisosteus OsseusLongnose gar are prehistoric-looking fish that make for some of the most exciting bowfishing targets. These olive-green torpedoes can reach 28-48 inches with their needle-like snouts and diamond-shaped scales that are tough as armor. They're ambush predators that hang motionless near vegetation or structure before striking at baitfish. Night fishing is prime time since they're naturally more active after dark. What guests love about gar is their prehistoric appearance and powerful fight - they'll roll, jump, and put on quite a show when hit. Their diamond scales make good arrow penetration crucial. The best spots are shallow areas with cover where they can ambush prey. My key tip: aim for the thickest part of their body, just behind the head. Their narrow profile and armored scales can deflect shots, so wait for a good broadside opportunity.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, USA