Night Bowfishing Adventure on Lake Champlain
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Half-day guided bowfishing trips targeting gar, bowfin, and carpNight expedition with specialized lighting and professional gear providedCaptain Seth leads groups up to six guests maximum
When the sun drops below Vermont's mountains and Lake Champlain turns dark, that's when the real action starts for bowfishers. Captain Seth runs one of the top-rated bowfishing charters on the lake, and his half-day weekday trips are perfect for anyone wanting to try this fast-growing sport. You'll be hunting massive carp, prehistoric gar, and other rough fish in the shallows using specialized bows and arrows – it's part fishing, part archery, and all excitement. The boat holds up to six anglers, so bring your crew or join other bowfishing enthusiasts for a night you won't forget on Vermont's biggest lake.
This isn't your typical fishing trip – bowfishing is pure adrenaline from start to finish. Captain Seth's boat is rigged with powerful LED lighting systems that turn night into day, letting you spot fish cruising the shallows from dozens of yards away. The lights penetrate several feet down, revealing carp wallowing in the mud, gar hanging motionless near the surface, and bowfin patrolling their territory. You'll spend the evening moving quietly through Lake Champlain's productive bays and backwaters, glassing the water for movement and shadows. When you spot a target, it's all about timing your shot, accounting for light refraction, and making a clean release. The onboard cooler keeps drinks cold while you're between shots, and Captain Seth provides all the specialized bowfishing equipment you'll need.
Bowfishing requires specialized gear that's different from regular archery or fishing equipment. Captain Seth supplies compound bows set up specifically for bowfishing – they're typically lower poundage than hunting bows but built for quick follow-up shots. The arrows are heavier fiberglass or carbon shafts with barbed points designed to hold fish securely. Each arrow is attached to a heavy braided line that's either hand-wrapped or mounted on a spincast reel system. The key technique is aiming low – water refraction makes fish appear higher than they actually are, so you need to compensate by aiming beneath your target. Quick release is crucial since you often get just one shot before the fish spooks. The boat's elevated shooting platform gives you better angles, and the bright lights eliminate shadows that can throw off your aim.
Alligator Gar are the crown jewel of Lake Champlain bowfishing – these prehistoric giants can stretch over four feet and weigh 20-plus pounds. They're ambush predators that hang motionless in shallow water, making them perfect bowfishing targets. Gar have diamond-hard scales and massive jaws full of needle teeth, so they look like something from the dinosaur age. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they move into warmer shallows to feed and spawn. Landing a big gar is a battle since they're incredibly strong and their tough hide makes arrow penetration challenging.
Common Carp are the bread-and-butter species for bowfishers on Lake Champlain. These chunky fish often exceed 15 pounds and love wallowing in muddy bays where they root around for food. You'll spot them by their dorsal fins cutting the surface or by the mud clouds they kick up while feeding. Carp are most active during warm evenings and can be found year-round in ice-free areas. They're surprisingly strong fighters once arrowed, and their size makes them satisfying targets for beginners learning to judge distance and refraction.
Bowfin are another prehistoric species that bowfishers target – they're tough, aggressive fish with a long dorsal fin and the ability to breathe air. Males turn bright green during spawning season and become extremely territorial, making them easier to spot in shallow cover. Bowfin average 3-8 pounds but fight much harder than their size suggests. They're most active in late spring and early summer when they move into shallow bays to spawn, often in water less than three feet deep.
Tench are less common but prized catches when you find them. These European natives have small scales and prefer weedy areas where they feed on bottom invertebrates. They're typically found in 2-5 feet of water and can be spotted by their olive-green coloration and rounded fins. Tench are most active during dawn and dusk periods, making them perfect targets for evening bowfishing trips.
Black Drum are the wildcards of Lake Champlain bowfishing – they're not native but show up occasionally and provide exciting targets. These deep-bodied fish have distinctive black stripes and can exceed 10 pounds. They're typically found in deeper edges of flats where they search for mollusks and crustaceans. Drum are strong fighters with tough mouths that require solid arrow placement.
Captain Seth's bowfishing charters are customer favorites because he knows Lake Champlain's productive waters better than anyone. The weekday trips offer better fishing since there's less boat traffic disturbing the shallows, and the half-day format is perfect for first-timers who want to try bowfishing without committing to a full night. The specialized lighting rig on his boat is world-class – bright enough to spot fish at distance but positioned to minimize glare. Plus, having all the gear provided means you can focus on learning proper shooting techniques instead of worrying about equipment. The six-person capacity keeps groups small enough for individual attention while still being fun for parties or corporate outings.
Lake Champlain bowfishing is trending hard right now, and Captain Seth's weekday trips book up fast during prime season. This is your chance to try Vermont's fastest-growing fishing sport with an experienced guide who knows how to put you on fish. Whether you're an archer
Our RVGS Motorboat Model 2000 is your perfect fishing platform for hunting gar, bowfin, and other Lake Champlain targets. This sturdy 6-person boat cuts through the water smoothly while you focus on your shots. The GPS navigation system keeps you on productive waters, while the fish finder helps locate schools below the surface. Built tough for serious anglers, this motorboat handles the lake's conditions while giving you stable footing for accurate bow shots. The spacious layout means your group has room to move around and position for the best angles. Captain Seth's rig comes loaded with bright lighting to illuminate your targets and a large cooler to keep drinks cold during those hot afternoon sessions. Whether you're new to bowfishing or looking to improve your technique, this boat gives you everything needed for a productive day on the water targeting Lake Champlain's impressive fish species.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator Gar are prehistoric-looking beasts that can reach 4-6 feet and 100+ pounds. These armor-plated fish have razor-sharp teeth and can breathe air, making them unique targets. They hang around deep river bends near shallow areas, especially during hot late summer days when water levels drop. Spring spawning season also brings good opportunities. What makes them special for bowfishing is their size and prehistoric appearance - you're literally shooting a living fossil. They're passive around people but put on a show when arrowed. Since they can't be released after being shot, make sure your aim is true. Pro tip: look for them cruising just under the surface in the early morning when they're gulping air. Their dorsal fins give them away.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are powerful fish averaging 5-30 pounds, with some bruisers hitting 90+ pounds. They're built for crushing shellfish with strong jaws and prefer brackish water near estuaries, though they adapt well to varying salinity levels. Spring spawning season offers the best action when they school up in shallow, muddy flats and around structure. These fish are known for making drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. What bowfishing guests love is their size potential and the challenge of spotting them in murky water. Younger fish under 15 pounds are excellent eating with flaky white meat. Here's a local tip: listen for their drumming calls during spawning season - they're literally calling out their location. Focus on oyster beds and muddy bottom areas where they feed on mollusks and crabs.
Amia CalvaBowfin are tough, primitive fish that have survived since dinosaur times. Females can hit 30 inches and 8 pounds, while males stay smaller around 18-24 inches. They love weedy areas, marshlands, and vegetated shallows where other fish can't survive. These guys are most active at night, making them perfect for our evening trips. They can breathe air and survive in low-oxygen water that would kill other species. What bowfishing guests enjoy is their aggressive nature and the fact you're targeting a living fossil. They put up a solid fight and aren't shy about taking your bait. One thing to remember - keep your hands clear when handling them. Their rows of sharp teeth mean business. Look for them in the thick stuff where you'd never expect to find fish.
Cyprinus CarpioThese golden-colored fighters average 15-30 inches and 4-30 pounds, but monsters over 40 pounds swim Champlain's waters. Carp love muddy bottoms and weedy areas where they root around for food. They're most active during spring and fall when they move into the shallows to feed aggressively. Summer finds them in 8-12 feet of water. What guests love about carp is their incredible fight - they don't quit and will test your gear. They're also plentiful, giving you multiple shot opportunities throughout the night. These fish spook easily, so stealth is key. Here's a local trick: watch for muddy water trails where they've been feeding on the bottom. Follow those mud trails and you'll find your targets. Their barbels often give away their location in shallow water.
Tinca TincaTench are stocky, olive-colored fish averaging 16 inches and 4-5 pounds, though some reach 15+ pounds. These bottom-feeders have small barbels and love muddy areas with heavy vegetation. They're most active during May and June spawning season in warm, shallow water around 70-80°F. What makes tench interesting is they're pretty rare and picky - they're the challenge fish that separates beginners from experienced bowfishers. They can survive in low-oxygen water that would kill most other species thanks to their protective slime coating. Originally from Germany, they're not common in most US waters, making a successful shot something to brag about. Watch for subtle movements in weedy shallows and bubbles rising from their bottom-feeding. They're easily spooked, so patience pays off when targeting these elusive fish.
Lake Champlain