Night Bowfishing Adventure on Lake Champlain

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Lake Champlain
$475 - $575 price range

Summary

Get ready for an exciting night of bowfishing on Lake Champlain with Reel Vermont Guide Service. This 4-hour charter takes you into the shallows to hunt for big Carp, Alligator Gar, Black Drum, Tench, Bowfin, and other impressive fish. The boat is set up with bright lights to help you see and aim in the dark. There's also a big cooler on board to keep your drinks cold while you're out on the water. Captain Seth provides all the bowfishing gear you'll need, so you can focus on improving your skills and enjoying the hunt. Whether you're new to bowfishing or have some experience, this trip offers a unique way to fish and explore Lake Champlain at night. It's a great chance to try something different and potentially catch some interesting species. With room for up to 6 guests, you can bring friends or family along for the adventure. Don't miss out on this night bowfishing experience – book your trip today!

Night Bowfishing Adventure on Lake Champlain

Night Shots and Big Catches

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Successful angler with a 28-inch fish in Vermont

Lake Champlain fishing guides

One fisherman with a 22-inch catch in Vermont

fishing charters on lake champlain

Fishing adventure with 4 people in Burlington

Night Bowfishing Trip in Vermont

Night Bowfishing: Lake Champlain's Hidden Thrill

Ready for a fishing adventure like no other? Grab your bow and join us under the stars for some heart-pumping night bowfishing on Lake Champlain. This ain't your grandpa's lazy day of casting - we're talking about stalking the shallows for monster carp and prehistoric-looking gar that'll make your arms ache and your stories legendary. Our 4-hour charter trip is perfect for newcomers and seasoned bowfishers alike. We've got all the gear and know-how to put you on the fish, so all you need to bring is a good attitude and maybe a cooler of your favorite beverages. Trust me, once you stick your first big carp, you'll be hooked for life.

What's the Deal with Night Bowfishing?

Picture this: You're gliding through calm, shallow waters under a blanket of stars. The boat's lights pierce the darkness, revealing the shadowy forms of massive fish just below the surface. Your heart races as you draw back your bow, take aim, and let that arrow fly. That's night bowfishing in a nutshell, and it's addictive as hell. We target some of Lake Champlain's biggest and baddest - we're talking carp the size of small dogs, alligator gar that look like they swam straight out of the Jurassic era, and hard-fighting bowfin that'll test your skills. It's not just fishing; it's hunting on the water, and it's a rush you've gotta experience to believe.

Gear Up for Success

Don't sweat it if you've never held a bowfishing rig before - we've got you covered. Captain Seth provides top-notch gear that's dialed in and ready to go. We're talking specialized bows that are a breeze to shoot from a boat, arrows with barbed tips to hold those big fish, and reels that'll handle the fight. Our boat is kitted out with powerful lights that turn night into day, making it easier to spot and target fish. And let's not forget the all-important cooler - because nothing beats cracking open a cold one after you've just landed a monster carp. We'll show you the ropes, give you pointers on your technique, and make sure you're set up for a killer night on the water.

Why Bowfishers Can't Get Enough

Lake Champlain is a bowfisher's paradise, and once you've experienced it, you'll see why folks keep coming back for more. The sheer variety of fish you can target is mind-blowing - from the grunt-worthy weight of a big common carp to the prehistoric look of an alligator gar. It's not just about the size of the fish (though that doesn't hurt), it's about the whole experience. The quiet of the night, broken only by the splash of fish and the twang of bowstrings. The camaraderie of sharing the boat with friends or family, cheering each other on. And let's be real - there's something deeply satisfying about using an ancient hunting method to land these impressive fish. It's a unique blend of skill, patience, and adrenaline that you just can't find anywhere else.

Lake Champlain's Most Wanted

Alligator Gar: These prehistoric-looking monsters are the stuff of fishing legends. With their long, toothy snouts and armor-like scales, alligator gar can grow to impressive sizes in Lake Champlain. They're ambush predators, often hanging motionless near the surface - perfect for bowfishing. Landing one of these beasts is like catching a piece of living history, and trust me, it's a fight you won't forget.

Common Carp: Don't let the name fool you - there's nothing common about the rush of arrowing a big carp. These fish can grow to massive sizes in Lake Champlain, often topping 30 pounds or more. They're wary and smart, which makes them a challenging and rewarding target. Carp tend to feed in shallow areas at night, stirring up the bottom as they go - making them prime targets for bowfishing.

Bowfin: Also known as "dogfish," bowfin are living fossils that put up one hell of a fight. They're aggressive predators with a mouth full of sharp teeth, and they're not afraid to use them. Bowfin love warm, weedy areas of the lake, and they're especially active at night. Landing one of these prehistoric-looking fish is always a highlight of any bowfishing trip.

Tench: Originally from Europe, tench have made themselves at home in Lake Champlain. They're not the biggest fish in the lake, but what they lack in size they make up for in character. Tench have a habit of hanging out in shallow, weedy areas - perfect for bowfishing. They're a blast to target and make for some tasty eating if you're into that.

Black Drum: These cousins of the red drum are less common in Lake Champlain, but when you find them, it's a treat. Black drum can grow to impressive sizes and put up a solid fight. They tend to hang out near structure and in deeper holes, so spotting them can be a challenge - but that just makes it all the more satisfying when you connect.

Book Your Spot and Let's Roll

Look, I could go on all day about how awesome night bowfishing on Lake Champlain is, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a total newbie, our 4-hour charter trip is the perfect way to get in on the action. We've got room for up to 6 people, so grab your buddies and make a night of it. Captain Seth knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you right on the fish. All you need to do is show up ready for some fun, and we'll take care of the rest. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip now and get ready for a night of bowfishing you'll be talking about for years to come. Trust me, once you feel that thrill of sticking your first big fish, you'll be counting the days until you can get back out there. Let's do this!

Learn more about the animals

Alligator Gar

Alligator Gar are real prehistoric beasts. These monsters can grow over 6 feet long and 100 pounds, with armor-like scales and a mouthful of razor teeth. You'll find them lurking in the shallows of lakes, rivers, and backwaters. Spring and summer are prime times when they move into warm, shallow areas to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for the thrill - they put up a mean fight and look like living fossils. To land one, we'll use heavy gear and bait like carp or mullet. My best tip is to be patient - these fish are wary, so let your bait sit still and wait for that telltale thump. Just watch those teeth when you're handling them!

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty fighters you'll find around oyster beds and mudflats. They can grow over 30 pounds, but the sweet spot for eating is 5-15 pounders. Spring's the best time to target them when they school up to spawn. Anglers love Drum fishing for the strong pulls and unique croaking sounds they make. To catch one, use sturdy gear and fish on the bottom with crab or clams. Here's a tip: when you feel a bite, give it a second before setting the hook. Drum have tough mouths, so a solid hookset is key. Once you're hooked up, hang on tight - these fish can really throw their weight around!

Bowfin

Bowfin are tough, prehistoric-looking fish that'll give you a real battle. They usually run 18-30 inches and prefer warm, weedy areas of lakes and slow rivers. Night fishing is best since they're most active after dark. Bowfin aren't pretty, but anglers love their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. They've got a mouth full of sharp teeth, so watch your fingers! To catch one, use sturdy gear and fish near vegetation with live bait or cut fish. My top tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Bowfin like to grab the bait and run with it first. Get ready for some serious action when you hook up - these fish don't give up easily!

Common Carp

Common Carp are hardy fish you'll find in most lakes and slow rivers. They average 15-30 inches but can grow much bigger - I've seen 40-pounders pulled out of Lake Champlain. Look for them in shallow, weedy areas, especially in spring and fall when they're feeding aggressively. Carp are fun to target because they fight like crazy, often leaping clear out of the water. They're not the prettiest fish, but they'll test your skills. For bait, corn or dough balls work well. My local trick is to chum the area with corn first to get them feeding. Be ready for a strong run when they take the bait - these fish have some serious power.

Tench

Tench are sneaky little fish that'll test your patience. They usually run 12-16 inches and hang out in muddy, weedy shallows. May and June are prime months when they move into warm waters to spawn. Anglers like targeting tench for the challenge - they're picky eaters and put up a good scrap for their size. To catch one, use light tackle and small hooks. Worms or maggots work well for bait. Here's a local trick: chum your spot the night before to get them feeding. When fishing, be extra quiet and still - tench spook easily. It might take a while, but when that float finally dips, you're in for a fun fight with these golden-green battlers.

About the RVGS Motorboat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready to experience the unique excitement of night bowfishing on Lake Champlain? Our 4-hour charter trip offers a fresh take on fishing that'll have you hooked. As darkness falls, we'll cruise the shallows in search of impressive catches like massive Carp, Alligator Gar, Black Drum, Tench, and Bowfin. Our boat comes equipped with powerful lights to illuminate your targets, giving you the best shot at success. Don't worry about bringing gear - Captain Seth provides top-quality bowfishing equipment so you can focus on perfecting your aim and enjoying the hunt. There's space for up to 6 guests, making this a great outing for friends or family. We've even got a large cooler on board to keep your drinks ice-cold while you're reeling in the big ones. Whether you're new to bowfishing or looking to sharpen your skills, this nighttime adventure on Lake Champlain promises a memorable experience under the stars.

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