I'm kind of a newbie when it comes to bow-fishing, and I'm really clueless when it comes to the habits of carp and other rough-fish. How long do they normally stay in the streams and rivers before they head back into deeper waters?

they're always around, but more so this time of year. May-June, backwaters and shallows are LOADED. But even later in the year they cruise these areas looking for food. They are a great river fish, and remain in small streams year round if there's enough water

Right on. Thanks.

If you really want a challenge try actually catching them with a rod and reel.

if you want an even bigger challenge, catch them on a fly