Bow Fishing Adventure with Riibe Outdoors
Private Trip
River Fishing
Bow fishing adventure targeting mighty fish in river watersFamilyfriendly trip suitable for children with guided instructionComplete equipment and gear provided by experienced outfitters
Looking for something different on the water? Our bow fishing trips combine the patience of angling with the precision of archery, creating one of the most exciting ways to target fish you've ever experienced. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel outing – we're talking about drawing back a bow, taking aim, and letting arrows fly at some seriously impressive fish cruising just beneath the surface. Whether you're a seasoned archer or someone who's never held a bow, this adventure delivers action that'll have you talking about it for months. Plus, it's fantastic for kids too, making it the perfect family experience that bridges generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
This bow fishing experience puts you right in the heart of the action from the moment we push off. You'll be positioned on our stable platform where visibility is key – we're hunting fish by sight, so clear water and good positioning make all the difference. The beauty of bow fishing lies in the hunt itself. Unlike traditional angling where you're waiting for fish to come to you, here you're actively stalking your targets, watching for movement, and timing your shots perfectly. The whole experience feels more like a combination of hunting and fishing, which is exactly why so many people get hooked on it after just one trip. We keep groups small – just one guest per trip – so you get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to perfect your technique. Don't worry about bringing anything; we've got all the specialized bow fishing equipment ready to go, from compound bows set up specifically for fishing to arrows with the right tips and retrieval systems.
Bow fishing requires specialized equipment that's quite different from regular archery gear, and we provide everything you need. Our bows are set up with lower draw weights – typically between 30-50 pounds – making them manageable for almost anyone while still delivering enough power to penetrate fish effectively. The arrows are heavier than standard hunting arrows and feature barbed points that ensure your catch stays connected. What really makes this work is the retrieval system: a strong line attached to each arrow that lets you bring in your fish without losing your shot. We'll walk you through the fundamentals before we start – how to account for light refraction in water (fish appear higher than they actually are), leading moving targets, and the importance of a smooth, consistent release. The learning curve isn't steep, but there's definitely technique involved. Most people start connecting with fish within the first hour, and by the end of the trip, you'll be amazed at how much your accuracy improves. The key is staying calm, taking your time, and remembering that every shot is a learning experience.
Grass Carp are absolute monsters that make for some of the most exciting bow fishing targets you'll encounter. These fish can easily reach 20-40 pounds and sometimes even larger, creating shots that require serious precision and follow-through. They're filter feeders that cruise slowly in shallow areas, often visible just beneath the surface as they move through vegetation. What makes them perfect for bow fishing is their size and relatively predictable movement patterns – once you spot one, you usually have time to line up a good shot. They're most active during warmer months and tend to move into shallower water during late morning and early afternoon hours. The fight after a successful shot is something else entirely; these fish have incredible power and stamina.
Buffalo Sculpin present a completely different challenge that keeps things interesting throughout your trip. These bottom-dwelling fish are typically smaller than grass carp but make up for it with their abundance and the skill required to target them effectively. They tend to stay closer to structure and cover, requiring more precise shots in tighter spaces. Buffalo are surprisingly hardy fish that put up a solid fight relative to their size. They're most active during transitional periods – early morning and evening – but can be targeted successfully throughout the day if you know where to look. Their behavior changes with water temperature, becoming more aggressive and easier to spot when conditions are right. Many anglers love targeting buffalo because they offer consistent action when larger species might be harder to find.
Common Carp are the bread and butter of bow fishing, offering reliable action and teaching you essential skills that translate to other species. These fish are incredibly adaptable and can be found in various water conditions throughout most of the year. They typically range from 5-15 pounds, making them perfect targets for building confidence with your bow. Carp are often easier to spot than other species because they tend to mud up the water while feeding, creating visible disturbances that give away their location. They're also less spooky than some fish, giving you multiple shot opportunities if you miss your first attempt. What makes common carp special is their fighting ability – pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish you'll encounter, often making multiple runs and testing your retrieval system to its limits.
Ready to try something that combines the best aspects of hunting and fishing into one action-packed adventure? This bow fishing experience offers a unique way to get on the water and target some impressive fish using skills you probably never thought you'd use while fishing. With all equipment provided and expert instruction included, you're set up for success from the start. The personalized attention means you'll learn faster and have more opportunities to connect with fish, while the family-friendly approach makes this perfect for creating lasting memories with kids or introducing someone new to the outdoors. Book your bow fishing trip with Riibe Outdoors and discover why this rapidly growing sport has anglers and archers alike completely hooked. Spots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to secure your date on the water.
Get ready to aim and shoot from this perfectly sized bow fishing boat that cuts through the river like a dream. This single-person motorboat gives you the freedom to navigate shallow waters and hunt those underwater targets without crowding. The engine runs quiet enough to sneak up on fish while giving you plenty of power to reach the best fishing spots along the river. Built for serious bow fishers who want complete control over their hunt, this boat handles like a sports car on water. You'll love how easy it maneuvers around fallen trees and tight river bends where the biggest fish like to hide. The stable platform keeps you steady when drawing your bow, even when the current tries to push you around. Perfect for solo adventures or teaching kids the art of bow fishing without dealing with a crowded deck. All your arrows, bows, and safety gear come with the trip, so just bring yourself and get ready to put some serious fish on ice.
Enophrys BisonThese camouflaged bottom dwellers aren't much to look at with their mottled red, brown, and green coloring, but they're fascinating targets for bow fishing. Running 10-14 inches, they live in sandy areas and rocky bottoms from shallow bays down to 65 feet deep along the Pacific coast. What's cool about them is their ability to change colors to match surroundings - it's like hunting underwater chameleons. They're territorial fish that stay put in their chosen spots, making them predictable once you locate them. The spines are venomous, so handle with care, but guests love the challenge of spotting these masters of disguise. Best tip: scan rocky areas slowly since they'll freeze and blend in when they sense danger rather than swim away.
Cyprinus CarpioThese golden-bronze fighters are bow fishing favorites, typically running 15-30 inches and 4-30 pounds with their stocky build and distinctive whisker-like barbels. They thrive in warm, slow waters like lakes, ponds, and sluggish rivers where they root around the bottom feeding on plants and insects. Spring and fall are money seasons when they move shallow and school up aggressively. What guests love most is their legendary fighting spirit - they'll trash, run, and never give up easy. These hardy fish are found almost everywhere and put up battles that test your gear and skills. My go-to tip: target them in 3-8 feet of water near weed edges during warm afternoons, and watch for muddy patches where they've been rooting - that's your sweet spot right there.
Ctenopharyngodon IdellaThese silver-scaled giants are perfect bow fishing targets, running 65-80 pounds on average with their olive-green backs and white bellies. Originally from Asia, they love slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation where they graze like underwater cattle. You'll find them in lakes, ponds, and river backwaters throughout most states. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallow to feed aggressively. What makes them special? They're absolute fighters - known to go airborne when hit and battle until the very end. Plus, at their size, landing one is a real achievement. Pro tip: look for them near weed beds during warm afternoons, and keep your movements quiet since they spook easily from sudden noise or splashing.
Yankton, SD