Finally got the go ahead today with the Corp of Engineers to have the first ever bowfishing tournament on Carlyle Lake. The biggestLake in the state of Illinois at 26,000 acres. It will be at Coles Creek, which is a high water ramp if needed. The Corp has agreed to take care of fish disposal.

Also got the go ahead for a special variance to shoot below the spillway Saturday night ONLY after the tournament. Seems the commerical fishermen this winter couldn't get their nets out because of all the ice in the tailwaters. The Corp said the shooting should be good.

A flier will be out in a few days. Heading to the BAA meeting this weekend in Nashville.

Bowfisher

Dave, when you get a chance, call me again about this. (Our cell phones must be jinxed.)

I need some more details before I can make up a flyer. I'll pay the BAA for sanctioning and insurance today.

will their be bank shooting below the spillway?

Chase, unfortunately, there is no bank shooting allowed below the spillway at Carlyle. Even during the open bowfishing season, you can only bowfish from a boat.

I think you have to head further down past the boat launch before you can shoot from shore.

dang..I would come up if bank shooting was open...

is this a day tourney?

Yes, 10am to 6pm.

We thought trying a daytime shoot for a first ever bowfishing tourney on it would be best. Carlyle is shallow and wide so it can get really rough if the wind picks up. (there's even a siren for it) It's also really full of stumps on the north end.

The below the spillway fun shoot for bigheads will be at night.

Hey maybe the commercial fisherman not getting to do theyre thing is gonna be a blessing for all of us,maybe it will open the season up longer.