Bowfishing Common Carp Saskatchewan

1 Author: Steve GLOADE Freelance Outdoor Writer 25th March, 2021

Bowfishing Common Carp Saskatchewan

Is It Hunting or Is It Fishing?

Either Way, It Is A Fantastic Springtime Activity!

As the geese and ducks fly overhead, streaking through the sky like a squadron of B52 bombers and fighter jets, the morning

sun glistens off the surface of the water, reflecting it’s light in the most majestic of ways. I creep through the chest high cattails, inching my way towards the edge of the water. I feel my heart racing as I hear the splashes of water; something moves in the reeds. As I move closer, I am now more convinced than ever that this could be my first carp of the day. I raise my bow and draw back, taking aim at the fish through the murky water, waiting for it to surface. As it breaks the water, the looming body of a northern pike appears! I lower my bow and continue to scan the water while remaining still. Swirls of mud in the water let me know that there is plenty of movement around me.

I finally catch a glimpse of the first carp of the day and it disappears as quickly as it had appeared. Suddenly, I see a shadow moving in my direction and I am confident by the way it moves that it is a carp. I draw back and wait for confirmation. The fish is submerged but I have it in my sights now.

Aiming my arrow a few inches lower in order to adjust for depth perception, it maneuvers itself broadside to me. I confirm its identity and quickly release my arrow! The fish thrashes and my line immediately tightens.

The soft sounds of the morning erupt into a frenzy of thrashing water. I try to reel in the fish but because of his strength, I am forced to put down my bow and hand line the furiously fighting fish to the shore. I admire my harvest and I am proud of my efforts.The size of these fish continue to amaze me.

A splash out in the water makes me realize it is time to continue the hunt. I may move or just stay here for a while longer with the sun warming my face, just knowing that I am thankful to be enjoying this type of Outdoor Medicine 365.

2 The Common Carp The common carp is just one of several carp species. It is an aggressive and invasive fish that has been increasing its foothold in Saskatchewan lakes and rivers since 1955. They are particularly abundant in the southern half of the province. The common carp has been known to destroy ecosystems due to their rapid population growth and their destructive feeding behaviours. I have found that research varies when it comes to the numbers on how many eggs a female Carp can lay during the spawn. It appears that mature adult females can lay 1 - 2 million eggs per spawn and potentially live up to 20 years.

They are not a small fish and I have found the average common carp that I bowfish to be anywhere from 7 to 20 pounds.

Research states that the Common Carp can weigh up to 40kgs (88lbs) and grow up to 1.2 meters (48 inches)in length. Varying in colour, as described by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, as silver to olive-green, brass or gray on the back and sides. Its belly is yellowish and the lower fins are orange-red. It has a single dorsal spine and its cheeks and gills covers are partly scaled.

As the waters warm in the months of April and May, the carp begin their spawning cycle (depending on climate) and can continue through August. Heavy spring flooding can provide optimal spawning locations in shallow waters (2-3 feet), that are weedy, grassy and warm. They are a very alert fish and are certainly not lacking in the intelligence of survival.

Challenges of Carp Hunting Bowhunting the Common Carp is not as easy as one might think. Clarity of water and wind conditions play a key role in

bowfishing. Be prepared to put in the time for some preseason scouting and trying to find potential spawning areas.

One of my biggest hesitations to start bowfishing in Saskatchewan was the fear of mistaking the Bigmouth Buffalo with the Common Carp. The Bigmouth Buffalo is a protected species in Saskatchewan. It is not something you want to drive your arrow through and they have been known to share the same environments. I cannot express this enough, do your homework as you would with any other species before hunting and fishing.

Common Carp

For reference purposes when bowfishing, I quickly identify colouring, mouth and lip position. The Common Carp also has a set of whiskers that the Bigmouth does not have and after spending some time on the water scouting and observing, you will become more comfortable in identifying your target.

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Bowfishing Equipment As many readers may already be diehard bowhunters, there is a good chance you’ll have an old bow laying around. If so, you’re well on your way. I use one of my old hunting bows with the poundage cranked down to 35 pounds and I added an AMS Retriever Pro Combination Kit that I purchased nine years ago. We are lucky here in Southern Saskatchewan as just about all of our lakes and rivers have muddy bottoms and I have used the same fish arrow the entire time! Knowing what lies behind the spot where you are shooting is key. I would not be shooting so freely if I were bowfishing over a rocky bottom. I don’t believe my arrow would last and I do not recommend it.

around to find the setup that best suits your needs.

One local option is No.1 Archery which is located in Emerald Park, Saskatchewan.

There you can pick up an AMS Retriever Pro (25 yards of 200lb line), arrow, slides and an AMS Tidal Wave Rest for around $250. No 1 Archery will happily accommodate all of your bowfishing needs.

I also recommend very good quality polarized sunglasses. Not only to protect your eyes but to also take care of the glare off the water.

Saskatchewan Bowfishing Regulations (Synopsis - Sask Anglers Guide) ● Bowfishing season opens April 20th thru to March 31st. ● A valid Saskatchewan angling license is required. ● Bowfishing Carp and Suckers only. ● No fish taken by bow may be released, wasted, or abandoned on Crown or private land without the landowners consent. ● Fish arrows must be attached to the bow or archer with a line strong enough to retrieve the impaled fish.

The Million Dollar Question!

If there is one question that I am asked continuously, it is “What do you do with the fish?”

Author pictured here with his old compound bow and AMS Bowfishing Retriever Pro, fish arrow and slides.

Buying options for bowfishing gear in Canada can be fairly limited. You must shop

This question basically governs how long my season will be. I am always searching for ways to use these invasive species. I have tried eating them and while they’re not my favorite fish to eat, they can do in a pinch. I’ve provided them to be used as bear bait or you can search out food waste

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4 processing facilities that make fertilizer.

Many of these facilities take frozen fish.This is a great way to recycle the Common Carp.

As an invasive species that is dominating our southern waterways, I would love to see the provincial government provide a deposit location in and around Common Carp infested waters, increasing the outdoor enthusiast’s participation in helping to control this destructive fish.

No matter if you bowfish these little tanks or if you decide to use a rod and reel, I guarantee you that you will not be disappointed. The season is fast approaching, get prepared and go get yourself some Outdoor Medicine 365!

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