River Fishing Kayaks Compared

Common Types of River Fishing Kayaks Compared

Inflatable vs. Hardshell

Hardshell kayaks are generally more durable and present no risk of puncture, which makes them better for fast water and rapids. Inflatables are more portable and usually have a smaller draft, which means less of the hull sits beneath the water. That makes inflatables better suited for remote areas and shallow water.

Sit-in vs. Sit-on-top

Sit-in kayaks are great for fast-moving rivers because they offer better protection from spray and water coming into the cockpit, although they are harder to re-enter if they tip over. If the temperature is low, they also offer more insulation.

Sit-on-top kayaks are safer because they’re easier to turn right-side-up and climb onto in the event of a tip. They’re better for folks who aren’t used to fishing in moving water.

Single vs. Tandem

Kayaks built for two people have larger dimensions, so they’re more likely to be useful in wider rivers with deeper water. Single-person kayaks can usually get into shallower water and maneuver around obstacles better.

While tandems typically have higher weight capacity, single kayaks can usually go fast through open water.

Other Considerations Before Choosing a River Fishing Kayak

Fishing Accessories & Add-Ons

Comfort & Durability

While there is often a tradeoff between the toughness of a material and passenger comfort, improvements in seat quality and cockpit space have reduced the need to choose one or the other.

Common materials like polyethylene are super durable but uncomfortable to sit on for long periods. Softer PVC inflatables can be more comfortable at first but often lack support. In both cases, the seat is crucial for sitting on a kayak for extended fishing trips.

Size & Weight Capacity

River fishing kayaks need to be able to hold gear and angler weight and evenly distribute it to prevent the boat from tipping in moving water. The size of the yak also plays a part in its stability. A longer kayak is usually harder to balance because the width of the body is what adds stability. For large rivers, long kayaks will do fine, but for narrow ones, a wider kayak will distribute weight evenly.

Chine, Keel & Hull Design

Elements of the underside of a kayak determine how it handles in the water. The hull can be shaped like a V to cut through water faster or like a U to provide better balance and steering. The way the hull meets the sides of the kayak is called its chine. A rounded chine and extended keel strip give higher speed and secondary stability while a chine with harder features will track better.

Stability & Speed

Price & Warranty

Warranties often protect larger investments better for more extended periods. If you spend thousands on a kayak, its warranty will probably last for years.

Lifetime warranties are occasionally available for the body of a kayak. Budget kayaks that cost a few hundred dollars may still have one or two year warranties, but it’s not always guaranteed.

1. Perception Pescador 12

2. Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Fishing Kayak

This Steelhead ensures durability with reinforced layered PVC. The bottom of the yak is also drop stitched for extra support so anglers can even stand up and cast. The exterior is tough enough to handle interactions with rocks and sticks, and the overall weight is much less than other models.

The dimensions are another plus. The width is enough to be comfortable and stable, and the draft, which is the amount of the hull that sits beneath the water at the rated weight, is short enough to clear most obstacles. Since there’s no reinforced tarpaulin on the bottom, having that clearance beneath the water is a relief.

Unlike many other inflatable river fishing kayaks, this one has plenty of storage space and five different Scotty mount points built-in at convenient places. Its three separate air pockets inflate quickly, and the travel hand pump and carry pack are included with purchase. Additionally, the valves have a locking mechanism to prevent leaks.

The seat is comfortable and gives the angler a great vantage point over the water. It’s not made of the inflatable PVC that the rest of the kayak is, but rather a nice foam. Self-bailing scupper holes in the floor of this kayak can be opened in rough river currents to let water out if need be.

While the warranty on this inflatable kayak is only one year, which is shorter than some others, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee so buyers can test out the kayak and return it easily if they are looking for something else.

3. Wilderness Systems Radar 115

4. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100

5. Driftsun Rover 220

The tandem version of the inflatable Driftsun Rover, the 220, is a robust and portable kayak that’s great for paddling around and for serious fishing alike. Its tarpaulin bottom covering can handle jabs from submerged obstacles, so coasting on a river current is worry-free, even up to class III and IV rapids.

Inflating the Rover 220 with the included hand pump goes pretty quickly, inflating in a little under 10 minutes. The floor and side sections feel solid when they’re pumped up to the proper PSI, and the valves don't indicate that they'll leak air. With a total weight of just 28 pounds and the included carry case, there’s no better way for two river anglers to get out on the water in a single vessel than this kayak.

It holds a surprising amount of weight and has places to stow gear that is usually missing on blow-up kayaks. The standout feature is its action camera mount, which will help anglers who want to use their footage to study later or share information with fellow enthusiasts. There aren’t many places where fishing rods can be stowed, although the cockpit is roomy enough for a few, and there are some ways to tether things to the six carry handles along either side of the yak.

All in all, there’s plenty of room for two people aboard the Rover 220, and it can sail down curving rivers and rapids with ease. It’s comfortable and has room, although it does lack some of the dedicated space you might find in a comparable hardshell model. Still, it’s without a doubt at the top of its class for the ease of transportation.

6. Elkton Outdoors Auklet

Building up a fast pace in a steady river flow is easy in the Auklet thanks to its pedal-powered propulsion. The pedals have a good gear ratio, so it doesn't feel like you're constantly pumping your legs the whole time.

Of course, pedaling your way makes this an excellent option for getting through inlets where the water slows or stops. Having a built-in rudder is also helpful if you want to keep the kayak on a certain course while you cast out for fish.

The center module where the pedals are is also a hugely convenient bit of design work. There’s a built-in cupholder for whatever kind of drink you like and space to mount additional rod holders or lure trays.

There are plenty of rod holders elsewhere on this kayak, but it’s nice to be able to place a rod at the most advantageous spot in a pinch. Just past the center console is the yak’s dry storage. The hatch for the dry storage also has locks on it so that it won’t open accidentally, even in the event of a tip-over.

Aluminum reinforces the pilot's chair without taking away any of the comforts. The chair has four adjustment points to suit any angler, and there’s plenty of space behind it for a milk crate or a fishing cooler to keep your catch fresh. Eight scupper holes help keep water drained from the craft, and none of them are underneath the seat, so the pilot stays dry.

While the hardshell build does make this kayak heavy, it’s simple enough to attach wheels or a dolly to the rear so a single person can pull it to the launch site. Plus, the rotomolding of the polyethylene hull is what gives it such good tracking on the water.

River Fishing Tips for Beginner Kayakers

Important Safety Concerns for River Kayak Fishing

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How much does a typical river fishing kayak cost?

There are budget kayaks that cost a few hundred dollars, and they will definitely float you down a river. However, for serious anglers, the higher-end kayaks that cost one or two thousand dollars will last the longest and hold the most gear. Most folks are somewhere in the middle, and there are kayaks around 500 bucks that do just fine for them.

What regular maintenance does my fishing kayak require?

Hardshell kayaks should have UV sealants applied about once a season. Any kayak should be cleaned of debris, dirt, and corrosive salt with a freshwater spray down after each use. Never store the kayak resting on its hull as this can cause serious damage.

Does the river difficulty rating apply for river kayak fishing?

Kayaks are usually rated for what class of river rapids they can handle. Class II or III are common rating levels for the best river fishing kayaks, although some models don’t include any sort of rating at all. Make sure to match the rapid rating with your intended river, especially if you plan to use an inflatable.

Can I get these large items shipped to my address easily?

Hardshell kayaks are classed as oversized items by USPS, but they can indeed be mailed, even long distances. Sites like Amazon manage to ship hundreds of models every season, mostly without issue. The important part is making sure it’s properly packaged to prevent scuffs or other damage.

Conclusion