%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F11876%2Fimages%2Fbasstoursatx.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Lake Travis Bow Fishing Adventures | Bass Tours ATX
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Lago Vista, Texas, USA
- $425 - $600 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F6f19b287-9a5c-4735-9ecb-44e60ef24386%2Fratecard%2Ff4b24f1e-398d-4f56-8411-f8dd7dd5cf94.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Arrows on the Water
Casting a line in the great outdoors on a beautiful day.
A day of fly fishing fun at the marina!
Night Fishing Frenzy: Lake Travis Bow Fishing
Get ready for a wild ride on Lake Travis with Bass Tours ATX's bow fishing adventure! This isn't your average fishing trip - we're talking about hunting fish with a bow and arrow under the cover of darkness. It's an adrenaline-pumping experience that'll have you hooked from the first shot. Perfect for groups of friends, bachelor parties, or anyone looking to try something totally different on the water. We've got room for up to 8 people, so grab your crew and let's hit the lake!
What to Expect on the Water
Our bow fishing trips run from June 1st to September 30th, when the water's warm and the fish are active. We'll meet up just before sunset and head out onto Lake Travis as the day cools off. Once it's dark, we'll fire up the bright LED lights on the boat, illuminating the water around us. That's when the action starts! You'll be amazed at how many fish you can spot near the surface. We provide all the gear you need - specially designed bows, arrows, and reels. Don't worry if you've never done this before - our guides will show you the ropes and have you nailing shots in no time. It's a blast whether you're a seasoned archer or a total newbie.
Bow Fishing 101
Bow fishing is all about quick reflexes and good aim. We use recurve bows outfitted with special reels that let you shoot and retrieve your arrow. The arrows are tied to sturdy line, so you can reel in your catch after a successful shot. It's way different from regular fishing - no waiting around for bites here! You'll be constantly on the move, scanning the water for fish and taking shots. The key is to aim low, because the water refracts light and makes fish appear higher than they really are. It takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be addicted. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of nailing a perfect shot and hauling in a big carp or gar.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Lake Travis is home to some prime bow fishing targets. We focus on three main species:
Longnose Gar: These prehistoric-looking fish are a bow fisher's dream. They can grow over 6 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. Gar like to hang out near the surface, making them perfect targets. They've got a tough, armor-like hide, so a solid hit is key. Catching one of these bad boys is like landing a living fossil - it's an experience you won't forget.
Grass Carp: These guys can get huge, sometimes topping 50 pounds! They're not native to Texas, so removing them actually helps the lake ecosystem. Grass carp tend to feed in shallower areas, often right up against the shoreline. They spook easily, so a stealthy approach is crucial. Landing a big grass carp is always cause for celebration on the boat.
Common Carp: The bread and butter of bow fishing. Common carp are plentiful in Lake Travis and make for great target practice. They often swim in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. These fish can grow to impressive sizes, with 20-30 pounders not uncommon. They're known for their powerful runs once hit, so be ready for some action when you connect with a big one.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Our Lake Travis bow fishing trips are unlike anything else you can do on the water. It's not just fishing - it's like aquatic archery mixed with a night safari. The excitement of spotting a fish, taking aim, and making that perfect shot is addictive. Plus, it's a great way to hone your archery skills while having a blast with friends. Many of our guests have never tried bow fishing before, but they leave as die-hard fans. It's an awesome group activity that creates lasting memories and plenty of stories to tell. And let's be honest, there's something pretty cool about saying you caught a fish with a bow and arrow!
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to give bow fishing a shot? Here's what you need to know:
- Trips start at $450 for up to 3 people. - Each additional person is $150, up to a maximum of 8 people. - We run trips from June 1st to September 30th. - No experience necessary - we'll teach you everything you need to know. - Bring snacks and drinks if you want, but leave the fishing gear to us.
To book your Lake Travis bow fishing adventure, give us a call or shoot us a text at 512-968-4028. We're a small, local outfit, so please reach out before booking online to make sure we can accommodate your preferred date and group size. Trust us, you don't want to miss out on this unique Texas fishing experience. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Common Carp
Common carp are the bulldogs of Lake Travis. These golden-brown bruisers average 15-30 inches, but monsters over 40 pounds aren't unheard of. Look for them in calm, weedy areas, often rooting around the bottom for food. Spring and fall are prime carp seasons. That's when they move shallow to feed and spawn. Anglers love carp for their strength and stamina. Hook one and you're in for a long, tough fight. Carp are bottom feeders, so focus your efforts there. They're not picky eaters - corn, bread, and worms all work well. One local trick: use a hair rig to present your bait. It lets the carp take the bait without feeling the hook right away. These fish spook easily, so stealth is key. Avoid shiny gear, move slowly, and let your bait sit still. Patience pays off with carp. When one finally takes your bait, hang on tight - you're in for a wild ride.
Grass Carp
Grass carp are the veggie-eaters of Lake Travis. These big, silvery fish can top 80 pounds, though 20-40 pounders are more common. You'll find them in calm, shallow areas with lots of aquatic plants to munch on. Spring and fall are ideal for grass carp. That's when they're feeding heavily in the shallows. They're popular targets because of their size and the challenge they present. Grass carp are picky eaters and spook easily, so you've got to be stealthy. These fish put up an epic fight when hooked. They're known for going airborne and making long, powerful runs. Bring a big landing net - you'll need it. Here's a local tip: try using cherry tomatoes or watermelon chunks as bait. Grass carp have a sweet tooth and can't resist these fruity treats. Just be patient and still. Any sudden movements will send them scattering.
Longnose Gar
Longnose gar are a real Lake Travis specialty. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow up to 6 feet long, though most we see are 2-4 feet. They hang out in shallow, weedy areas, often near the surface. Gar are ambush predators, so look for them lurking motionless in vegetation. Summer nights are prime time for gar fishing. That's when they're most active, cruising the shallows hunting small fish. Folks love targeting gar because of their unique look and hard-fighting nature. When hooked, they'll leap and thrash like crazy. One local trick: don't use a regular hook. Gar have bony mouths that hooks can't penetrate. Instead, we use a frayed nylon rope as bait. Their teeth get tangled in the fibers. Let the gar run with it, then set the hook hard. It takes patience, but landing one of these toothy critters is a real rush.
About the 27’ Coastal Skiff
%2F%2Fusers%2F6f19b287-9a5c-4735-9ecb-44e60ef24386%2Fvehicle_picture%2F86ddd28f-ccf5-4ea0-812e-c62047de6de0.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 10
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
