%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fusers%2Fb2b65c1a-c0a2-43d5-a7ff-90b8ffae0739%2Fimages%2F00e302d4-47a5-467e-8dcf-972451c073ea.jpeg&w=1200&q=100)
Top-Rated Lake Bowfishing in Hillsboro, Ohio
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Southern Ohio
- $500 - $600 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Fb2b65c1a-c0a2-43d5-a7ff-90b8ffae0739%2Fratecard%2F472784921_122189497472166014_7033675557401376027_n1.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Nighttime Bowfishing Action
Solid night haul – chunky Common Carp!
Intense night vibes on the bowfishing deck!
Loaded cooler – massive Common Carp haul!
Monster catch – giant Common Carp!
null
null
null
null
null
Epic night catch – big Common Carp!
Solid night haul – chunky Common Carp!
Intense night vibes on the bowfishing deck!
Loaded cooler – massive Common Carp haul!
Monster catch – giant Common Carp!
null
null
null
null
null
Epic night catch – big Common Carp!
Solid night haul – chunky Common Carp!
Intense night vibes on the bowfishing deck!
Loaded cooler – massive Common Carp haul!
Monster catch – giant Common Carp!
Night Bowfishing: Ohio's Hidden Gem
Ready to try something totally different on the water? Our 4-hour night bowfishing trip on the lakes near Hillsboro, Ohio is unlike anything you've done before. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a new challenge or a complete newbie to fishing, this trip offers an exciting twist on traditional angling. We'll cruise the calm waters under the cover of darkness, using powerful lights to spot fish just below the surface. Then it's time to nock an arrow, take aim, and let it fly!
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're standing on the bow of a specialized bowfishing boat, powerful lights illuminating the water around you. The night is quiet except for the occasional splash of a fish. Your guide points out movement just ahead - a large carp cruising near the surface. You draw your bow, track the fish's movement, and release. There's a satisfying "thunk" as your arrow finds its mark, followed by the excitement of reeling in your catch. That's bowfishing in a nutshell, and it's addictively fun.
Our trips run for 4 hours, usually starting just after sunset when the fish are most active near the surface. We provide all the specialized gear you'll need, including bows, arrows, reels, and safety equipment. Our expert guides will show you the ropes, help you spot fish, and offer tips to improve your aim. It's hands-on from start to finish, so be ready for an active evening on the water.
Bowfishing 101
Never done this before? No sweat. Bowfishing is easier to pick up than you might think. We use specialized recurve bows that are simple to draw and aim. The arrows are heavier than regular archery arrows and attached to a sturdy line on a reel mounted to the bow. This setup lets you shoot and retrieve fish without losing your arrow.
The key to bowfishing is refraction. Because of how light bends in water, fish aren't exactly where they appear to be. As a rule of thumb, you'll want to aim low - about 6 inches below where you see the fish for every foot of depth. Don't worry, our guides will help you get the hang of it. Most folks are hitting their targets within the first hour.
We'll cruise slowly along the shallows, using high-powered LED lights to illuminate the water. This makes it easy to spot fish near the surface. When you see one, draw your bow, track the fish's movement for a second, and let it fly. Even if you miss (and trust me, everyone does), it's a blast. When you connect, you'll feel the hit and then reel the fish in by hand.
Why Folks Love It
There's something uniquely satisfying about bowfishing. Maybe it's the primal thrill of hunting combined with the peace of being on the water at night. Or maybe it's just that it's so darn fun to shoot arrows at fish. Whatever the reason, most of our guests are hooked after their first trip.
It's also a great way to get out on the water if you're not into sitting around waiting for bites. Bowfishing is active - you're always scanning the water, drawing your bow, or reeling in a catch. The action is steady, and the night goes by in a flash.
Plus, you're doing the lake a solid. The species we target are mostly invasive or overpopulated, so removing them actually helps the local ecosystem. It's a win-win: you have a blast, and you're helping keep the lake healthy.
Fish in the Crosshairs
Grass Carp: These jumbo-sized eating machines can top 50 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. They're known for their grass-like scales and tendency to jump when hooked. Grass carp are most active in the warmer months and love to cruise just under the surface, making them perfect bowfishing targets.
Common Carp: The old standby of bowfishing, common carp are plentiful, feisty, and can grow to impressive sizes. They're active year-round but really fire up in the spring during spawning season. Look for their trademark whisker-like barbels as they nose around in the shallows.
Goldfish: Yep, you read that right. These aren't your typical pet-store variety, though. Lake goldfish can grow to several pounds and shine like coins under our spotlights. They're quick and can be tricky to hit, but man is it satisfying when you do.
Bigmouth Buffalo: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't actually buffalo. They're a native fish species that can live for decades and grow to over 40 pounds. They've got a distinctive high-backed profile and tend to school up, so where there's one, there are usually more.
Smallmouth Buffalo: Cousin to the bigmouth, these fish are sleeker and faster. They put up a great fight and are considered one of the tastier rough fish if you're into keeping your catch. Look for their smaller, downturned mouths as they feed near the bottom in shallow areas.
Time to Notch Your Belt
If you're itching to try something new on the water, our night bowfishing trips are just the ticket. It's a unique mix of hunting and fishing that'll get your heart pumping and leave you with some great stories to tell. Plus, with our all-inclusive setup and expert guides, it's a cinch to get started.
Remember, we can only take 4 guests per trip, so spots fill up fast - especially during the prime summer months. If you're ready to nock an arrow and experience one of Ohio's best-kept fishing secrets, give us a shout. We'll get you set up for a night on the water you won't forget. Just be warned: regular fishing might seem a bit tame after this!
Learn more about the species
Bigmouth Buffalo
Bigmouth Buffalo are an interesting species, often mistaken for carp but actually part of the sucker family. They can grow quite large, typically 20-30 inches, with some reaching over 40 pounds. You'll find them in our shallow lakes and backwater areas, often near the surface. These fish are most active at night, especially in warmer months. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their size and the challenge they present. Bigmouth Buffalo are strong fighters once hooked, giving you a real test of skill. To catch one, try using small, scented baits or even artificial nymphs. Here's a local trick: fish near vegetation during low light conditions for your best shot. When you feel a bite, set the hook firmly but be prepared for a long battle. These fish have stamina, so take your time reeling them in to avoid snapping your line.
Common Carp
Common Carp are hearty fighters, typically 15-30 inches and 4-30 pounds. You'll find them in our lakes' shallows and slow-moving areas, especially near vegetation and muddy bottoms. They're most active in spring and fall, moving deeper in summer heat. Carp fishing is popular for the strength these fish show when hooked - they'll give you a real workout. To target them, try the early afternoon in cooler months or sunrise/sunset in summer. Corn or bread work well as bait. Here's a local tip: use a hair rig to present your bait just off the bottom. This helps avoid spooking these wary fish with your hook. When you feel that telltale tug, give it a moment before setting the hook. The fight that follows is what keeps anglers coming back for more Common Carp action.
Goldfish
Goldfish in our waters aren't your typical pet store variety. These can grow surprisingly large, up to 12 inches or more in open water. You'll find them in slow-moving or still areas with lots of vegetation. Goldfish are most active in warmer months but can be caught year-round. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their unique golden color and the novelty of catching such a familiar fish in the wild. They're not known for putting up much of a fight, but can be fun to catch, especially for beginners or kids. To land one, try using small pieces of bread or corn as bait. A light tackle setup works best. Here's a tip: chum the area with some bread crumbs to attract them, then cast your baited hook nearby. Be patient - goldfish can be finicky biters. When you feel a tug, set the hook gently to avoid tearing their soft mouths.
Grass Carp
Grass Carp are a unique target, often reaching 65-80 pounds in our lakes. These plant-eaters prefer slow-moving, vegetated waters and can be found in shallows during spring and fall when they're feeding aggressively. In summer, they move a bit deeper to 8-12 feet. Grass Carp put up an impressive fight, known to go airborne when hooked. Anglers love the challenge of landing these powerful fish. For the best chance at a trophy, focus on areas with abundant aquatic vegetation. Cherry tomatoes or fresh-cut grass can make great bait. When you get a bite, be patient and let the carp take the bait fully before setting the hook. These fish spook easily, so keep movements subtle. With some practice reading their behavior, you'll be reeling in monster Grass Carp in no time.
Smallmouth Buffalo
Smallmouth Buffalo are stocky fish, usually 16-24 inches long, but can grow larger. You'll find them in our faster-moving streams and rivers, as well as in lakes with plenty of vegetation. They're most active in spring and fall, often feeding near the bottom. Anglers enjoy targeting Smallmouth Buffalo for their firm, tasty flesh and the challenge they provide. These fish are known for their cautious bites and strong fights once hooked. To catch one, try using doughballs or corn near vegetation. Here's a local tip: watch your rod tip closely for subtle movements - these fish often mouth the bait before fully committing. When you feel a solid pull, set the hook firmly. Be patient during the fight, as Smallmouth Buffalo have a tendency to make several strong runs before tiring out. It's a satisfying catch that'll keep you coming back for more.
About the Buckeye Bowfishing
%2F%2Fusers%2Fb2b65c1a-c0a2-43d5-a7ff-90b8ffae0739%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fscreenshot2025-01-28033443.png&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 10
Manufacturer Name: Pro Drive Surface Drives
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 40
