Bowfin

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Bowfin can be found in a variety of freshwater bodies such as rivers, lakes, canals, and swamps. They are also commonly found in impoundments, and are a common fish found in the Florida Everglades.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Bowfin prefer clear water with moderate to high flow and good oxygen levels.
Tend to congregate in areas of weed beds, logs, stumps, and brush piles.
Use structure such as logs, boulders, and undercut banks for cover. They are often found in areas with abundant zooplankton, aquatic insects, and small fish for forage.
Commonly found in areas with submerged vegetation and around structure such as docks, boat houses, and other man-made structures. They are often found in areas with a mix of clear and dark water, and are known to inhabit areas with a lot of submerged vegetation.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring, Bowfin can be found in shallow water, around structure, and in weed beds as they begin to spawn. This is a great time to target Bowfin using minnows, worms, and jigs. As the water temperatures rise, they will move into shallower water to spawn. They will often congregate in areas near drop-offs, weed lines, and around bridge pilings, marina docks, and other man-made structures.

SUMMER

During the summer, Bowfin can be found in deeper water, around structure, and in weed beds. They can also be found near the thermocline. This is a great time to target Bowfin using minnows, worms, and jigs. They tend to move to deeper water to avoid the warmer surface temperatures, and can be found around drop-offs, weed lines, and around bridge pilings, marina docks, and other man-made structures.

FALL

During the fall, Bowfin can be found in shallow water, around structure, and in weed beds as they begin to move towards wintering areas. This is a great time to target Bowfin using minnows, worms, and jigs. As the water temperatures cool, they will move into shallower water and congregate in areas near drop-offs, weed lines, and around bridge pilings, marina docks, and other man-made structures.

WINTER

During the winter, Bowfin can be found in deeper water, near structure, and in weed beds. They tend to move to deeper water during this time, and can be harder to catch. This is a good time to target Bowfin using jigs or live bait. They will often congregate in areas near drop-offs, weed lines, and around bridge pilings, marina docks, and other man-made structures to take advantage of the warmer water temperatures in those areas.