A promising stretch of river. A rod within reach. A whole afternoon to see what’s biting. River kayak fishing lets paddlers of different skill levels explore winding waterways, cast along quiet banks, and discover fishing spots beyond the boat ramp. But while river kayak fishing has plenty of appeal, kayakers need to remember that before the first cast, the current has plans for your kayak, too.
When water moves continually, your attention needs to move with it. With the right preparation, equipment, and approach, you can spend more time casting and retrieving - and less time scrambling to manage your kayak.
What are some key essentials of river kayak fishing?
Safety
- Always wear a personal flotation device. Make sure to invest in a properly fitted, comfortable life jacket. It should be one that you wear every time you are on the water and not just one that you stash away to meet regulations. A PFD only works if you are wearing it.
- Check the conditions before you go. Whether you are familiar with the waters you will be paddling or not, it is always wise to check the state of the river before you head out. Spring runoff can create unexpected rapids. A fast-moving storm could lead to dangerous weather. Look up the local buzz before you launch.
- Scout for river hazards. Whenever possible, scout your route from land before you begin your trip. Know what you might be in for with dams, currents, obstacles, and more that could impede travel, especially when you are distracted by fishing.
- Communication. Ensure that you have a way to communicate. It could be a phone with a waterproof case or even a simple whistle or flag. You need some way to alert others on shore or on the water if you need emergency help.
- Leave a float plan. Always give a trusted friend on shore a tentative plan for your route and return time.
Equipment & Gear
- Kayak: A kayak for fishing on a river doesn’t have to be loaded with all the bells & whistles. A sturdy, maneuverable kayak with some storage space is a great place to start. Other gear can be added as you learn what you need.
- Paddle: Make sure you have a paddle (even if you use other forms of propulsion). Keep it secured at all times so you don’t lose it while you are busy casting or retrieving that big catch.
- Fishing gear: Plan your fishing tackle wisely. A kayak is a small space propelled by YOU. Everything you take weighs you down. Organize your gear to maximize space and efficiency. This will make you more maneuverable and prevent potential gear loss in the event of a capsize.
- License: Make sure that you have the necessary license and registration for whatever waters you are fishing in. Be legal.
- Storage: Organize your deck and tackle so that items are accessible but secure. Always “rig to flip” - pack with a possible capsize in mind.
Navigation & Trip Planning
- Research before you go. Before you hop on the river, do your research. Do you know your launch and landing access points? Your intended route? Fishing spots to try? Places to rest / break? Portage possibilities?
- Plan launching and landing access points. Check that launch and landing points are accessible to the public and not on private land. Are there fees to launch or park?
- Be aware of your route along the way. As you paddle and cast, be aware of where your kayak is positioned. It can be easy to get distracted while fishing, so pick safe fishing holes.
- Arrange for trip logistics. If you are river fishing, it is easy to go with the flow - literally. Water currents can affect kayaking. If you float downstream, it can be difficult to paddle back up. If you plan to launch and return to the same point, paddle upstream while you are fresh and let the current take you back at the end of the day. If you plan to launch from one spot, float downstream and retrieve from another, make sure that you have worked out the logistics for a ride to pick you up.
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What is the best kayak for river fishing?
Maneuverability
- Rivers are different than lakes or coastal waters. You need a kayak that lets you pivot quickly to dodge rocks, navigate eddies, and handle varying currents. This doesn’t mean you need a kayak fit for whitewater, but it should handle some current.
- Sit-on-top kayaks are often preferred for fishing on rivers as they are stable, easy to get in and out of, and comfortable
- Look for a kayak with a shorter length (10-12 ft) as they are more nimble and turn quickly. One with a bit of a rocker (curves at the bow and stern like a banana) can be helpful to manage wake and moving water.
Stability & Seating
- Comfort and control both matter. If you plan to spend a substantial amount of time on the water, then you need to be comfortable. But in fast-flowing water, you also need control.
- Adjustable seat height opens up possibilities. A sit-on-top kayak can allow you to customize your seat for comfort and fishing advantages. Height-adjustable seats let you sit low to confidently paddle at a lower center of gravity, while a bit of elevation can improve fishing sight lines.
- A generous width (33-35+ inches) offers excellent stability for casting or even standing. It allows you to keep your balance even when hit by a cross-current.
Paddle or Pedal?
- Propulsion options: Many kayak anglers look at more than just a paddle to propel their kayak. Pedal kayaks and trolling motors are popular as they allow you to have your hands free for fishing and still maintain positional control of the kayak.
- Pros & Cons: Pedal and motors are nice for that hands-free control, but they can get caught up in shallow water or hit rocks and submerged debris. Make sure that skegs, rudders, and fins / pedals are retractable or kick-up so they retract upon impact.
- Always carry a spare paddle. Even if you decide on alternate propulsion, you must carry a paddle. Whether we like it or not, things break. Having that paddle gives you options when all else fails.
Other Considerations
- Weight capacity. When you pack, include both the weight of the paddler and gear when calculating capacity. (And stay under that number by about 30% for a more nimble kayak.)
- Accessible storage and uncluttered deck. Fishing lines, tackle, and gear can easily tangle up and clutter the deck. Organize carefully and keep the deck clear. An open, padded deck allows you to stand securely, dampens noise so you don’t spook the fish, and keeps vital tools nearby.
- Heavy-duty construction. River fishing can be particularly hard on a kayak. Submerged rocks and boulders and gravel shoals for launching can weaken kayak hulls over time. Invest in thick, rotomolded polyethylene.
How do I catch fish when river kayaking?
Pick the Right Gear
- Target your species: Know what you are targeting and pack tackle appropriately
- Efficient access: Keep frequently used tackle accessible
- Prepare gear: Pre-bait additional rods, if possible
- Organize effectively: Use a milk crate or other storage option to ease the transition from vehicle to kayak and to keep organized.
Choose the Right Bait
- Do your homework: Check what is biting and bring just one or two lures to target that species.
- Keep it simple: Don’t bring the whole tackle box. Just bring the bait necessary for what’s biting at that time, season, and place.
- Check the rules: Make sure you know any restricted species (like those banned during spawning season), any limits, any catch-and-release rules, and fees / permits.
Find Promising Fishing Spots
- Cover and structure: Look for banks, vegetation, ledges, and other features that could provide food and shelter for fish. Docks, shade, and overhanging branches can be promising spots in the heat of the day.
- Safe positioning: Keep your kayak in mind, even while fishing. Kayaks are great for skinny water and getting you to places you can’t get to from shore, but remember that a great place for fish might not be a great place for a kayak.
- Local knowledge: If you are in an unfamiliar spot, lean into the local lore. Ask locals or consult local online sources to see what's biting and where to cast that line.
Handle the Kayak Properly
- Watch your drift: Check downstream even as you cast and retrieve.
- Prioritize paddling / pedaling: Put boat control ahead of finishing a cast or landing a fish. As much as it might pain you to lose an opportunity, you won’t thank yourself if you run aground, collide with a boulder, or tangle in vegetation - and you lose the fish anyway.
- Avoid anchoring in current: Anchoring in current can be a dangerous proposition. As nice as it sounds to just stay in one place and cast a line, it doesn’t really work that way. An anchor that holds your kayak in place allows moving water to push against it. This can cause capsizing and instability.
- Build skills first: Practice makes perfect. So make sure you are honing your moving-water kayaking skills before you attempt to add fishing to the equation.
How can I respect the river while kayak fishing?
Be Responsible
- Regulations, licenses, permits, and fees: Know and abide by all local laws for licensing, access, and parking.
- Catch & release: Practice catch & release to preserve and conserve for future generations of anglers.
- Fish handling: Learn how to handle each fish species you might encounter, so you can safely land and release them.
Leave No Trace
- Pack out trash: Take all your fishing line, bait packaging, food wrappers, and any other trash with you. Don’t use the water as a dumping ground.
- Respect the banks: Avoid undue scraping, eroding, and uprooting vegetation, especially at launch sites which have a high frequency of traffic.
- Respect access: Know where you can safely and legally launch, land, or stop.
Practice Ethical Behavior
- Prevent invasive species spread: Be sure to clean, drain, and dry your kayak, especially if you travel between different lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
- Respect wildlife and other river users: Don’t approach wildlife or create a disruption of their habitat. Use etiquette and don’t encroach on others already fishing in an area. Give space to other kayakers.
- Support conservation: Consider joining in river cleanups and local stewardship events.
With some preparation, practice, and patience, river kayak fishing can become a rewarding way to explore the water and pull in a big one! Keep your setup simple, stay aware of the current, and choose trips that match your skills. Check out Brooklyn Kayak Company’s range of fishing kayaks, ready to have you casting a line in no time. Happy Paddling!