3 Top Bowfishing Destinations Worth Visiting in the USA

Fishing is one of the  most popular pastimes in the USA, with more than 49 million Americans partaking in freshwater, saltwater, and fly fishing every year. Bowfishing, in particular, is fast gaining popularity with USA Today reporting that it is bound to become one of the biggest fishing trends of recent times.  Apart from investing in a quality bow and fishing accessories, finding a good place to fish is one of the biggest considerations for keen bow fishermen. Thankfully, there is no shortage of superb fishing spots in the USA. Let’s have a closer look at three destinations that undoubtedly deserve a place on  your bowfishing bucket list.

While the state of Texas may be best known for its BBQ, sizzling temperatures, and vibrant live music scene, it is also home to a myriad of big fish including alligator gar, buffalo, carp, tilapia, and the blue catfish. Both the rivers and lakes in the state hold great promise for bow fishermen with Choke Canyon, Lake Texoma, Trinity River, and Lake Medina being among the favorites.  In order to bowfish legally in Texas public waters, you will have to be in possession of saltwater, freshwater, or all-water license. No additional licenses or stamps are required and you can freely fish with crossbow, longbow, or compound bow.  Compound bows are generally considered the best weapon for catching gar due to the immense power they contain.

California and Southern California, in particular, is a superb place for catching a variety of big  fish such as Mako sharks, rays and skates. These can be found at a number of fishing spots off the coast of Southern California.  While you are in California you might also want to engage in a bout of fly fishing. Trout, especially, is plentiful at Lake Almanor, Pyramid Lake, and New Melones Reservoir, and as long as you remember to pack your basic flyfishing gear including a selection of  brown trout flies you are bound to land yourself a few impressive catches. Although you do not require a hunting license for game fishing, you will have to be in possession of a sporting fishing license in order to bowfish in California.

Louisiana is filled with a plethora of bowfishing opportunities that will enable enthusiastic fisherman to shoot a large variety of fish species including alligator gar, sharks, flounder,  mullet, redfish, and sheepshead.  When heading to the bayous and marshes where saltwater meets freshwater you can expect an even larger variety of fish to shoot. Although the fishing restrictions in Louisiana are typically more relaxed than elsewhere in the country, it is still important to be in possession of the required permits.  Apart from providing a great challenge, bowfishing in Louisiana also provides a great athletic workout in an adventure-packed environment. Be sure to check that the string on your bow is in great shape to avoid losing out on potentially great catches.

Bowfishing continues to rise in popularity in the USA. This is not surprising considering the number of wonderful destinations that can be explored and big fish species that can be caught using a bow.