Top-Rated Bow Fishing on Lake Champlain

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Champlain
$475 - $575 price range

Summary

Ready for a night of action on Lake Champlain? Join Captain Seth for a 4-hour bow fishing charter that'll put your skills to the test. As darkness falls, we'll head out to prime spots where Carp, Drum, Alligator Gar, Tench, and Bowfin are active. Bow fishing at night adds an extra challenge – you'll need to stay sharp and trust your instincts. Captain Seth knows these waters like the back of his hand and will coach you on technique as you hunt. It's a totally different experience from daytime fishing. The lake is quiet, the air is cool, and you're zeroed in on the water, waiting for that perfect shot. Whether you're new to bow fishing or looking to hone your skills, this trip offers a unique way to connect with nature and test yourself. Bring up to 5 friends and make it a group adventure. Just remember, once you try night bow fishing, regular fishing might seem a bit tame in comparison!

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 Bow Fishing on Lake Champlain

Get ready for a wild ride under the stars on Lake Champlain! Captain Seth's gonna show you the ropes of bow fishing - it's like archery meets angling, and it's a total rush. We'll cruise the shallows after dark, when the big fish come out to play. You'll be amazed at how many monster carp and other rough fish are lurking just below the surface. Whether you're a seasoned bow fisher or it's your first time, this trip's guaranteed to get your heart pounding.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're standing on the front of the boat, bow in hand, scanning the water with powerful lights. Suddenly, you spot a massive carp - it's go time! You draw, aim, and let that arrow fly. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a perfect shot and reeling in your catch. Captain Seth knows all the honey holes where the fish stack up, and he'll have you dialed in on the action in no time. This ain't your grandpa's fishing trip - it's an adrenaline-packed night hunt on the water.

Bow Fishing 101

If you've never tried bow fishing before, don't sweat it. Captain Seth will give you the full rundown on technique, safety, and all the gear. We use specialized bows rigged with reels and heavy-duty line attached to barbed arrows. The boats are tricked out with raised shooting platforms and super bright lights to spot fish. It takes a bit of practice to judge the refraction in the water, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be nailing shots left and right. And the best part? There's no catch limits on rough fish, so you can shoot all night long!

Top Catches This Season

Lake Champlain's been on fire lately for big carp and other rough fish. Anglers have been busting 30+ pound commons, with a few pushing close to 40. The drum fishing's been insane too, with fish over 20 pounds pretty common. We've even had a few lucky shots on some absolute tank bowfin. The gar fishing can be hit or miss, but when it's on, it's unreal. Nothing gets the blood pumping like seeing a 5-foot gator gar cruise by in the shallows!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Alligator Gar: These prehistoric-looking beasts can grow over 6 feet long in Lake Champlain. They're ambush predators, often hanging motionless near the surface. Gar have a long, toothy snout that makes for a challenging target. They're most active in the hot summer months and put up an epic fight when arrowed.

Common Carp: The bread and butter of bow fishing, carp are abundant and can grow huge in Champlain. They love to root around in shallow, muddy areas at night. A 20-pounder is a good fish, but 30+ pounders aren't uncommon. Carp have great eyesight, so a stealthy approach is key.

Bowfin: Also known as "dogfish," these aggressive predators are a blast to shoot. They've got a mean set of teeth and will thrash like crazy when arrowed. Bowfin love weedy areas and can gulp air, allowing them to survive in low-oxygen water. They're most active in late spring and early summer.

Tench: These European imports are relatively new to Champlain but are spreading fast. They're similar to carp in behavior, often rooting around the bottom in shallow bays. Tench have small scales and slimy skin, making them tricky to arrow. A 5-pounder is considered a trophy.

Black Drum: These big bruisers can top 30 pounds in Champlain. They use their strong pharyngeal teeth to crush mollusks and crustaceans. Drum often feed in shallow water at night, making them perfect bow fishing targets. They're most common in the southern part of the lake.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell ya, once you try bow fishing, you'll be hooked. It's totally different from rod and reel fishing - way more active and in-your-face. You're not just waiting for a bite, you're actively hunting these fish. And the fact that it's all happening at night adds a whole other level of excitement. Plus, you're doing the lake a solid by removing invasive species. It's a win-win!

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's get real - spots on Captain Seth's boat fill up fast, especially during peak summer months. If you're itching to try something new and get your adrenaline pumping, this is the trip for you. Whether you're a seasoned bow angler or a total newbie, you're guaranteed to have a blast and probably stick a few big fish. So what are you waiting for? Grab your buddies, book your trip, and get ready for a night of bow fishing action you'll never forget!

Learn more about the animals

Alligator Gar

Black Drum are powerhouses, usually 5-30 pounds but can hit 90. They're known for making drumming sounds and have strong jaws that crush shellfish. You'll find them in brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. After that, they scatter and get trickier to catch. These guys love the bottom, so use live bait like crabs or clams. Slow-moving jigs work too. Make sure your bait's on the bottom - that's key. When fly fishing, go for a 9-weight rod and weighted black flies. Smaller drums (under 15 pounds) taste great, but the big ones can be tough. Most folks release the big ones and keep the smaller ones for eating. One tip: listen for their drumming sounds. It can help you find them, especially during spawning season. And remember, they're adaptable - you might find them in super shallow water or down to 100 feet deep.

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, usually 5-30 pounds but can hit 90. They're known for their croaking sounds and powerful jaws that crush shellfish. You'll find them in brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats in Lake Champlain. Spring's the best time to target them, when they school up to spawn. After that, they scatter and get trickier to catch. These guys are bottom-feeders, so use live bait like crabs or clams. Slow-moving jigs work too, but make sure they're on the bottom. Drum fishing's all about patience and feel. They're not aggressive strikers, so you've got to pay attention. Listen for their drumming sounds - it can help you find them, especially during spawning. Here's a local tip: if you're keeping them for dinner, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The big ones can be tough and not as tasty. Most folks practice catch and release with the big ones anyway. Remember, drum are adaptable. You might find them in super shallow water or down to 100 feet deep. Be ready to adjust your tactics based on where they're hanging out.

Bowfin

Bowfin are living fossils, swimming around since the dinosaurs. They're tough fighters, usually 18-30 inches long. You'll find them in wetlands and marshes with lots of vegetation - places other gamefish can't handle. These guys are night owls, so we'll be targeting them after dark. They're aggressive feeders and put up a serious fight, which makes them a blast to catch. Just watch those teeth - they're not shy about using them! Bowfin can breathe air, so they thrive in low-oxygen waters where other fish struggle. That's why you'll often find them in places you wouldn't expect other fish to survive. Here's a tip: use cut bait, like bluegill with the fins trimmed off. Bowfin go crazy for it. Hook it up, sink it into their habitat, and get ready for action. Don't expect to take these home for dinner though. They're bony and most folks find them pretty unappetizing. We're after them for the sport and the unique experience of catching a prehistoric fish.

Common Carp

Common Carp are chunky fighters, typically 15-30 inches and 4-30 pounds. They're all over Lake Champlain, hanging out in warm, shallow areas with lots of vegetation. These bottom-feeders love stagnant or slow-moving water. Spring and fall are prime carp seasons. They come into the shallows to feed aggressively, making them easier to spot and catch. In summer, they spread out and go a bit deeper, usually 8-12 feet down. Carp put up a heck of a fight, which is why a lot of anglers target them. They're strong and don't tire easily, so be ready for a good tussle. For bait, you can't go wrong with corn or bread. Boilies work great too, but they're pricier. Here's a local trick: use a hair rig if the carp seem hook-shy. It'll help hide the hook and increase your chances. Remember, carp spook easily. Try to be quiet and avoid using shiny gear that might scare them off. Patience is key - let your bait sit still and wait for them to take it.

Tench

Tench are small but feisty, usually around 16 inches and 4-5 pounds. They're bottom-dwellers that love warm, still waters with lots of vegetation. You'll find them in the muddy shallows of Lake Champlain, often near weed beds. May and June are prime tench months when the water warms up and they start spawning. They're most active in temperatures between 68-88°F, so we'll focus on shallow, warm areas. Tench are picky eaters and can be a real challenge to catch, which is why some anglers love targeting them. They're not the biggest fish, but they put up a good fight for their size. Here's a local trick: use red maggots or a mix of corn and pellets for bait. Tench have a sweet tooth for these. Set up near vegetation, put out plenty of bait, and be patient. They spook easily, so cast gently and avoid too much movement. Remember, tench have small scales and are covered in slime. It makes them slippery to handle, but also helps them resist bacteria. Just another quirk that makes these fish unique.

About the RVGS Motorboat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for a unique nighttime adventure on Lake Champlain? Join Captain Seth for a 4-hour bow fishing charter that'll have you hooked. As darkness falls, you'll set out to prime spots where Carp, Drum, Alligator Gar, Tench, and Bowfin lurk beneath the surface. Captain Seth knows just where to find them and will teach you the ins and outs of this exciting sport. Whether you're new to bow fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, this trip offers a chance to perfect your technique under the stars. With room for up to 6 guests, it's a great outing for friends or family. You'll be amazed at how different the lake feels at night - calm, mysterious, and full of opportunity. Don't miss this chance to try something new and challenge yourself on the water. Book your spot now and get ready for a night of stealthy hunting and big catches on beautiful Lake Champlain.

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