June 2019 • Nebraskaland 47
Nebraska's public waters have enthralled me for more
than 30 years. I fi rst picked up a bow in 1988, and very
quickly, bowfi shing became a lifelong passion. Stalking a
fi sh, unleashing an arrow and hoping for the best – the thrill
is similar to hunting. I will always choose fi shing with a bow
over a rod and reel.
Another reason why I love bowfi shing so much –
bowfi shers still account for a small percentage of anglers
in Nebraska, which means the shooting opportunities are
endless. With so little pressure on our lakes and rivers for
carp and gar, the time to start bowfi shing is now.
Where to Bowfish
You won't fi nd many big reservoirs without an abundance
of common carp. Some have buff alo and gar, and few might
hold big, old grass carp. I've had the pleasure of shooting
many lakes in Nebraska, and my favorites are Harlan
County, Medicine Creek, McConaughy, Swanson, Merritt
and Calamus.
Don't overlook lakes that connect to the canal system
along the Platte River, as well as any lake that gets fl ooded
by the Missouri, Platte or Elkhorn rivers. All these water
bodies will likely provide plenty of shooting opportunities.
Rivers also can be amazing places to stalk a variety of fi sh.
Gar, buff alo, grass, silver and the immense bighead carp all
reside in our many rivers and streams.
Gavins Point Dam, considered the mecca among Nebraska
bowfi shers, is easy to shoot from the bank or inside a boat.
May and June are the best months to shoot at Gavins
Point, when huge schools of bigheads and silver carp can
be expected below the dam. Opportunities for buff alo carp,
common carp and gar will be plentiful both above and below
the dam.
What to Bring
Wading in a pair of old tennis shoes and shorts is the way most
people got started on bowfi shing. Gear is fairly simple. You'll
need a bow that fi ts you, several arrows, a reel and components
to attach it to the bow, and a heavy-duty arrow rest.
Bowfi shing is tough on equipment so purchase rugged,
simple gear. I prefer a full capture adjustable arrow rest, such
Bowfishing
BY RICH PORTER
PHOTOS BY JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY
