Bowfishing Overview

Late spring and all summer are the best times for bowfishing. As spring waters warm, “rough fish,” such as carp, gar, buffalo, burbot, and suckers, begin to move into the shallows of lakes and river backwaters to spawn. Check the current Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary for equipment restrictions, license requirements, bowfishing seasons, and legal species. Visit https://www.adfg.alaska.gov.

Special Challenge

The primary challenge of hunting fish underwater is compensating for a phenomenon called refraction. Light rays bend as they enter water, making fish appear to be where they aren’t. You must aim lower than a normal sight picture to hit your quarry. Practicing on underwater targets will help you find the correct aiming point.