Bowfishing is the use of archery equipment to shoot and retrieve fish. The origins of the sport can be traced back to the early Native Americans, who shot the fish with their bows and arrows and then used netting to gather the fish. Now, a special reel is mounted onto bows with a string attached to a specially designed barbed arrow. This allows the bowfishermen to aim and shoot with their bow (similar to archery) but reel in their take (similar to traditional fishing).
Here in Colorado, the sport is still the “new kid on the block," but the awareness and interest are steadily picking up. With a relatively inexpensive entry cost, a good state organization, and numerous state waterways full of carp, bowfishing is an activity that is very fun to try, and often habit forming. If you are looking to marry your love of archery with your love of fishing, then this is the year to try bowfishing.
If you have any questions that can't be answered here on the site or if you are looking for someone to go out and try the sport with, please feel free to email us at [email protected]!
Here in Colorado, the sport is still the “new kid on the block," but the awareness and interest are steadily picking up. With a relatively inexpensive entry cost, a good state organization, and numerous state waterways full of carp, bowfishing is an activity that is very fun to try, and often habit forming. If you are looking to marry your love of archery with your love of fishing, then this is the year to try bowfishing.
If you have any questions that can't be answered here on the site or if you are looking for someone to go out and try the sport with, please feel free to email us at [email protected]!
Colorado Bowfishing RegulationsYou MUST be familiar with all Colorado state bowfishing rules and regulations before going out on the water. We work continuously to have an open line of communication and good standing relationships with the Parks and Wildlife workers at the lakes and reservoirs that allow bowfishing.
We encourage you to contact the Parks and Wildlife official at the area you are planning to bowfish to be sure of the permitted areas (which may change if you are day or night shooting) and to see if there are any specific regulations for their area. Important information to note is :
Species Allowed in ColoradoBelow is a summary of legal species in Colorado. You may also refer to the official CPW Fishing Regulations.
ALWAYS be sure of your target before releasing an arrow. You can only bowfish for specific species in Colorado, as listed. USE CAUTION and do not mistake Colorado's threatened and non-game fish for legal bowfishing species STATEWIDE LEGAL SPECIES Common Carp – Except as prohibited by land management agencies. Grass Carp – Except as prohibited by land management agencies. Northern Pike - Except as prohibited by land management agencies. EAST OF CONTINENTAL DIVIDE LEGAL SPECIES Gizzard Shad - Unless specifically prohibited in specific lake regulations. White sucker - Unless specifically prohibited in specific lake regulations. Longnose Sucker - Unless specifically prohibited in specific lake regulations. SEASONAL LEGAL SPECIES Kokanee Salmon – Effective July of 2012. Only during snagging season where permitted. GearGetting started in bowfishing may seem like a daunting task, but really you’re only talking about a few pieces of equipment. As you may have guessed, bowfishing involves a bow. There are several “bowfishing specific” bows that can run into the hundreds of dollars, but all you really need is an old recurve or compound, fixed up with a bowfishing reel and arrow mechanism. Total cost of a basic package will be under $100. A great place to find some used bows is online. You don’t need to spend a lot of money initially. My first bow was an old Fred Bear Compound purchased for $20. Added to my hand reel and a few
arrows, I was ready to hit the water for under $50. Once you have made the initial bow investment, you are pretty much done. Other than replacement arrows and a yearly fishing license, you are ready to chase after carp for years to come. With the increased popularity of the sport, local sporting goods stores like Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse and Bass Pro Shops are beginning to carry bowfishing equipment from some of the biggest companies like Muzzy, Backwater Bowfishing and Cajun Archery. Membership in the COBFThe Colorado Bowfishing Association is a club dedicated to protecting the rights of bowfishermen, preserving and supporting the sport for future generations, running open tournaments and competitive shoots, and working with state agencies to help manage our fisheries in Colorado.
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Bowfishing Lakes in ColoradoThe COBF has worked in close relations with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife to secure new waters to allow bowfishing. We have provided a link below to a printable file with a list of known lakes that allow bowfishing. This is in no way a comprehensive list. If you know of a public lake in Colorado that allows bowfishing, please contact us at [email protected] and we will verify it with the CPW.
Please check with the local CPW workers to ensure you are adhering to their specific species and bowfishing regulations. Bowfishing EthicsIt is the responsibility of ethical sportsmen and women to act in a professional manner and take the time to educate the public about the sport.
Remember, your individual actions (good or bad) can have an enormous impact on how bowfishing is perceived! Please fully read our ethical tips, as well as the COBF Member Code of Ethics.
SafetyAs with any sport that involves equipment and physical activity, there exists an inherent risk of bodily injury if proper safety measures are not followed. And although modern bowfishing equipment is often sold with safety devices in place, individuals should still check their gear before hitting the water and before each shot.
The greatest danger related to bowfishing equipment is “snapback.” Snapback can occur when an arrow is released and the line (attached to the arrow) is unknowingly caught on part of the bow or bowfisherman. The tangled line does not allow the arrow to fly uninhibited and can cause the arrow to snap back toward the bowfisherman resulting in bodily harm. To prevent this, you always need to check that your line is clear before each shot. Using an appropriate safety slide system (the mechanism that connects the line to the arrow on a sliding rail) is really the only appropriate and safe way to shoot. Most bowfishing arrows now incorporate a safety slide system (versus having the line attach directly to the arrow). You are NOT allowed to compete in COBF sanctioned tournaments if your line is attached directly to your arrow. Always check your equipment prior to each bowfishing trip. Make sure that your gear is clean, your line is not tangled or frayed and that all screws, nuts and bolts are tight. Prior to each shot, make sure that your line is not tangled or caught on your bow or your person. Always wet your line before your first shot. Toss the arrow with a good bit of line into water, then reel it back in. Wet as much of the line as your can (without going overboard). A wet line will not only help to lubricate the reel mechanisms, but also help to reduce friction that can increase the chance of a snag. Always wear eye protection while bowfishing. ALWAYS be sure of your shot before releasing your arrow! We promote and encourage all water safety and boating laws. |