Bowfin
Bowfin are prehistoric fish dating back to the Jurassic Period and are the only living representative of the family Amiidae. These ancient fish are living fossils.
Scientific Name: Amia calva
Also known as dogfish
- They typically reach 600-700mm (24-27.5 inches) in Minnesota waters, with the state angling records at 10 pounds 15 ounces.
Fishing in Minnesota
Mississippi River
Sauk River
Rum River
Lake Minnetonka
Mille Lacs Lake
Crow River
Snake River
Little Rock Lake
Julia Lake
Long Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- In Minnesota, they inhabit the central and southeastern portions of the state, including the Mississippi River and its tributaries as far north as Grand Rapids, the Otter Tail River of the Red River drainage, and some tributaries of the St.
- Croix River.
- Commonly found in lakes and large, slow rivers, especially backwaters.
Key Locations
- Mississippi River backwaters, the channel between Chisago and Lindstrom lakes, Lake Independence, Lake Minnetonka (particularly near Swift Point), the Vermillion River out of Hastings, Lake Hiawatha, Lake Mary in Alexandria, and the Cannon River.
- State angling records from Mary Lake in Douglas County and French Lake in Rice County.
Specific Spots
- Focus on shallow weedy bays, inside weed edges, and areas with dense cover like cattails and lily pads.
- Heavy vegetation along backwaters.
Bowfin FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Bowfin in Minnesota?
Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, topwater frogs, weedless creature baits, soft plastic crayfish patterns, rattling lures. Cut bait is most effective - use shiners, suckers, or minnows under a float.
When is the best time to fish for Bowfin in Minnesota?
Summer months, particularly late July when they're most active in the heat. Spring is the period to avoid targeting them as males aggressively guard their young until they reach about four inches long.
How do you catch Bowfin in Minnesota?
Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits for searching water, topwater frogs worked with stop-and-go retrieves, weedless creature baits or soft plastic crayfish patterns for working through heavy cover. Cut bait under a float.
What do Bowfin eat?
They're generalist predators with fish making up approximately 65% of their diet, particularly gizzard shad, golden shiners, bullheads, and sunfish, with crayfish comprising most of the remainder.
Where do Bowfin live in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, they inhabit the central and southeastern portions of the state, including the Mississippi River and its tributaries as far north as Grand Rapids, the Otter Tail River of the Red River drainage, and some tributaries of the St. Croix River.
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