RareNativeSecure
8
Bowfin
Amia calva · Amiidae
Grinnel. Living fossil. The South's freshwater bulldog.
Common
20–28 in
Max
36 in
Weight
Up to 17 lbs
Best Bite Windows
When bowfin feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
FAIR50%feeding activity
Off-peak · slow near cover
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
12a6a12p6p12a
DAWN
71
MORN
63
MIDD
53
AFTE
74
DUSK
80
NIGH
78
Air-gulper · twilight ambush in cover
Solar + LunarLOW-MED lunar pull
Major feeds7:59p – 9:59p5:10a – 7:10a
Minor feeds5:30a – 6:30a8:07p – 9:07p
Solunar window 8:14p – 9:44p
Full Moon
Day · Spring spawn shows some lunar correlation; guards nests aggressively. Heavy cover — vegetation and woody debris.
Night · Can be active at night but not strongly lunar-dependent. Aggressive on artificial lures near spawning areas.
Habitat
OxbowsSwampsBayousSlow rivers
Range
Cypress backwaters, weedy lakes, slow muddy water.
Diet
Anything — fish, frogs, crawfish, snakes.
Best baits & lures
Soft plastics
Spinnerbaits
Live bluegill
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Tale Waters & Tides
The home water for Arkansas anglers
Pocket Fishing Guide is powered by Tale Waters & Tides — gear, guides, and the stories behind the water. Plan your next trip with us.
How to fish it · techniques
Wire leader — they bite through everything
Big plastics
Don't lip them
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Rileys White & Buffalo Outfitter
Your White & Buffalo River outfitter
Guided float trips, canoe & kayak rentals, and riverside cabins on the White and Buffalo rivers.
Fun fact
Bowfin are the only living member of their family — every other Amiidae species died out 65 million years ago. They can breathe air, survive drying mud, and a guide on a hot day will joke they're 'living fossils with attitude.'
Status
Secure
Native · Amiidae