Bowfin in Georgia

Description. “Body is yellow to yellow olive in color with a darker olive pattern on the back and sides. The belly is cream or white in color. Bowfin have a flattened head and a long, stout body with a mouth full of sharp teeth. There is a long dorsal fin across the top and a short anal fin, which easily distinguishes it from non-native invasive snakeheads that have a long anal fin. Males have a large black spot near the tail, bordered with orange. Breeding males also have brilliant turquoise-green ventral fins. Up to 20 lb, 1 to 10 lb is typical.”

Habitat. “Found in sluggish, swampy, vegetated bays of warm lakes and rivers. Spawns during spring when water reaches 61-67 degrees in shallow quiet bays or backwaters of rivers.”

Range. “Tallapoosa, Chattahoochee, Flint, Ochlockonee, Suwannee, Satilla, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altamaha, Ogeechee and Savannah River Basins.”

Food. “Voracious predator that consumes fish, crayfish, frogs or large insects.”

Tips. “Excellent fighter. Use worms, nightcrawlers, minnows, frogs, crayfish or artificial lures for bait. Artificial lures, such as in-line spinner baits and minnow style jerk baits, are also effective for targeting bowfin.”