You really can’t beat kayak fishing for several reasons. One, you don’t have to tow a boat around and storage is a lot easier. Two, you can access more ponds and rivers since you don’t need a boat launch and can maneuver your way just about anywhere. Three, it’s just more fun. Whether your idea of the perfect spot is a serene lake or a slow-flowing river, kayak fishing options abound for you around the country (By Coty Perry).
Turn your kayak into a fishing machine by checking out some of the nation’s best kayak fishing destinations.
Okmulgee Lake, Oklahoma
Smack dab in the heart of the Sooner State is Okmulgee Lake. While it won’t impress you with its looks, it’ll impress you with endless freshwater kayak fishing spots. The reservoir has 6,400 acres and offers great bass fishing, crappie, and catfish.
The lake’s calm and clear waters make it ideal for kayak fly fishing, as you can easily navigate through its numerous coves, points, and submerged structure. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Okmulgee Lake, as the water temperatures are optimal, and fish are more active.
Kona Coast, Hawaii
If you truly are looking for an unforgettable kayak fishing destination, hop on a plane and touch down in beautiful Hawaii. The Kona Coast offers not only some of the best kayak fishing in the world but some of the best fishing in the world.
Drop a line in the crystal-clear turquoise waters for game fish like mahi-mahi and tuna. You’ll want to make sure to rent a kayak here because you’ll need a balanced kayak designed for hauling in trophy-sized fish.
The warm Hawaiian waters provide year-round fishing opportunities, but summer and early fall are peak seasons. Remember that this area draws a crowd, so you’ll want to visit during the offseason if you prefer to avoid the swarm.
Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania
As someone who has been fishing the Suskie for two decades, this 400-mile river in Pennsylvania will surprise many people. Unlike any of the other best kayak fishing destinations, it boasts an outrageous smallmouth bass population.
It’s known as a hotspot for trophy-sized smallmouth and offers plenty of slow-moving waters for optimal kayak fishing. There is also a series of jetties throughout the river that open the door to musky, northern pike, walleye, catfish, and panfish fishing as well.
This river has struggled over the years to maintain a population due to coal mine fires and issues with dams, but has since recovered, so it’s safe to eat whatever you catch from the Susquehanna River.
Spring and fall offer the best fishing conditions, as fish become more active during these seasons.
Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
The Chesapeake is a name that drops butterflies in your stomach. It’s an absolute mecca for kayak fishing and offers endless possibilities regardless of your skill level. There are 200 miles of fishing here, with an estuary that boasts all types of species, including striped bass, bluefish, flounder, red drum, and more.
The diverse habitats and tidal currents make the Chesapeake Bay an angler’s paradise. Spring and fall are prime times to fish for striped bass as they migrate through the bay. Summer offers excellent opportunities for targeting other species.
Moreover, the Chesapeake Bay region offers charming coastal towns, historical landmarks, and delicious seafood to enhance your experience.
Again, this is one of those destinations that pulls a lot of tourists so you’ll want to visit near the beginning or end of peak season if you prefer to avoid the crowds.
Kenai River, Alaska
Do you consider yourself more of a thrill seeker than the average angler? If so, the Kenai River and Peninsula in Alaska are a destination to add to your bucket list. It’s known for its unbelievable landscape and world-class fishing to boot.
The Kenai River offers incredible chinook salmon runs, but you can also chase down sockeye, coho, and pink salmon. There’s also a decent population of the unique Dolly Varden rainbow trout here.
Travel during June, July, and August if you’re looking for peak fishing on the river.
A big part of what makes this one of the best kayak fishing destinations is that there’s so much to do when you’re done fishing. You can take tours of national parks, glaciers, and wildlife and learn more about what this unique territory offers.
Indian River Lagoon, Florida
How about a little tropical lagoon fishing down South in Florida? Stretching over 150 miles from Ponce de Leon Inlet in Volusia County to Jupiter Inlet in Palm Beach County, the lagoon is North America’s most biologically diverse estuary, making it an angler’s paradise.
This national scenic byway has an assorted population of almost anything you can catch inshore. Snook, trout, redfish, tarpon, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead are all found in the river lagoon.
Another great advantage of this fishing spot for kayak anglers is that you don’t have to plan your kayak fishing trip around a specific time of year. The season never ends, regardless of the water temperature.
Devil’s River, Texas
Deep in the heart of Texas, nestled within the rugged and remote landscapes of Val Verde County, lies Devil’s River—a pristine and untouched gem renowned for its exceptional beauty and world-class kayak fishing.
This river is one of the most sought-after destinations in the state for its limestone formations and vibrant life beneath the surface. Here you can find an abundant population of largemouth bass and channel catfish, bluegill, and sunfish.
Deep in the heart of Texas, nestled within the rugged and remote landscapes of Val Verde County, lies Devil’s River—a pristine and untouched gem renowned for its exceptional beauty and world-class kayak fishing.
