We\u2019ve broken down our favorite models into multiple categories so you\u2019ll find the perfect boat for you regardless of your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5 Best River Fishing Kayaks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Best River Fishing Kayak Overall: Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Picture](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Wilderness-Tarpon-100-705x205.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCheck Availability<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFor the price, the Tarpon 100 comes chock full of fishing features<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFirst and foremost are the four sets of rails running along the sides. This allows you to install any number of custom fishing features<\/strong> from GPS devices, fish finders, rod holders, or kayak anchors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTwo of the three storage compartments are covered<\/strong>, though they\u2019re both pretty small. The large stern compartment is open-air, but thanks to the bungee cords stretched across it, you can stuff quite a bit of gear in without worrying about it getting loose. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile a stable boat, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s sturdy enough to allow you to stand and cast<\/strong> without running the risk of tipping over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Accessory rails for tons of customization opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 325-pound load capacity should be enough for overnight trips<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Narrower hull improves speed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Best Sit-On-Top River Fishing Kayak: Malibu Stealth Fish and Dive<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Picture](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Stealth-12-Midnight-Camo-705x368.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBuy on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nBuy on Westmarine<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nA big and sturdy kayak, the Malibu Stealth paddles like a battleship<\/strong>. Measuring 12 feet, four inches long, it tracks well and can handle more turbulent conditions<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s stable enough to safely stand and cast<\/strong> from, giving you a huge advantage with the distance and accuracy of your casts. Four rod holders are available<\/strong>, two in front of the seat and another two in the stern.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor storage, there\u2019s a big watertight bow hatch and another open-air storage space<\/strong> in the stern to help you make the most of the boat\u2019s 450-pound load capacity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBut my favorite feature is the \u201clive tank bait\u201d <\/strong>storage area in front of the seat allowing you to keep either your bait or your catch fresh however long you\u2019re on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- No padded seat included<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adjustable foot track system<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lots of storage space<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stable enough to stand and cast from<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. Best Small fishing Kayak for rivers: Vibe Skipjack 90<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Picture](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Vibe-Skipjack-Kayak-Blog-Post-2-705x164.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBuy on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nBuy at DICK\u2019S<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nLightweight with a short keel, the Skipjack 90 from Vibe Kayaks handles like a sports car <\/strong>and can fit in the back of some larger SUVs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nManeuverability is top-notch<\/strong>, a necessity on narrow and fast-moving rivers. Most boats this size struggle to track, but the high chined hull of the Skipjack 90 does a great job of keeping her on course in more inclement conditions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFor storage, there\u2019s a large watertight bow hatch and an open-air \u201ctank-well\u201d <\/strong>in the stern secured with bungee cords. Another convenient watertight hatch has been installed in the cockpit, the perfect spot to store valuables and personal items.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA paddle holder<\/strong> provides convenience when you need your hands free for your fishing rod. Four fishing rod holders and a universal mounting point<\/strong> allow you to outfit your Skipjack 90 to your precise specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Lots of storage space<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Great tracking for a short keeled boat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lots of customization options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Best Pedal Kayak for River Fishing: Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Old-Town-Sportsman-106-PDL-705x439.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBuy on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nBuy at DICK\u2019S<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMost pedal kayaks are long and can feel a little bulky when maneuvering through tight quarters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But at just ten and a half feet long, the Sportsman 106 from Old Town does a good job of managing the tighter turns and shallower conditions on the river<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s plenty of specific angling accessories included such as the two rod holders and the space to store your poles horizontally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some users have found the tracking to be subpar<\/strong>, but this deficiency is mitigated on most rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe seat can only be adjusted between two positions<\/strong> as opposed to being on a sliding scale that some paddlers may not find comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Great stability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Easy to remove pedal drive system for shallow water<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Large stern tank-well and watertight bow hatch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Read our full review of the Sportsman 106 PDL.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBest River Fishing Kayak on a budget: Sun Dolphin Journey 10<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Picture](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/journey-10.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBuy on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nBuy at Walmart<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nEasily the most cost-effective kayak on this list<\/strong>, the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 is lightweight and should be easy for most solo paddlers to transport on their own. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt weighs just 41 pounds and the short 9-foot, 6-inch keel is responsive <\/strong>and handles nicely when pivoting around sharp river bends. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFor fishing, there are three rod holders, two flush-mounted and another on a swivel<\/strong> in front of the cockpit. There isn\u2019t much in the way of custom options besides that but there is a large watertight stern hatch. I do wish the load capacity was a little bigger than 250 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOne performance issue worth mentioning is the short keel and the lack of a rudder means that it can be blown off course<\/strong> on fast-moving rivers or on windy days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- One of the lightest and shortest fishing kayaks for easier transportation and storage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Impressive maneuverability to get in and out of tight spots<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Poor tracking makes it susceptible to wind, tide, and currents<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oddly designed scupper holes and no scupper plugs included<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Read our full review of the Sun Dolphin Journey 10.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Choose the Best River Fishing Kayak<\/h2>\n\n\n\nAre You an Experienced or Beginner Angler?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re just getting started, it may be surprising to discover that kayaks represent a sizable financial investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re unsure of how much you\u2019ll be kayaking<\/strong> or your interest is more recreational, choosing a cheaper, lower performing like the Sun Dolphin Journey 10<\/strong> may be a smart choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nFor the price, the Tarpon 100 comes chock full of fishing features<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First and foremost are the four sets of rails running along the sides. This allows you to install any number of custom fishing features<\/strong> from GPS devices, fish finders, rod holders, or kayak anchors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two of the three storage compartments are covered<\/strong>, though they\u2019re both pretty small. The large stern compartment is open-air, but thanks to the bungee cords stretched across it, you can stuff quite a bit of gear in without worrying about it getting loose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While a stable boat, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s sturdy enough to allow you to stand and cast<\/strong> without running the risk of tipping over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A big and sturdy kayak, the Malibu Stealth paddles like a battleship<\/strong>. Measuring 12 feet, four inches long, it tracks well and can handle more turbulent conditions<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s stable enough to safely stand and cast<\/strong> from, giving you a huge advantage with the distance and accuracy of your casts. Four rod holders are available<\/strong>, two in front of the seat and another two in the stern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For storage, there\u2019s a big watertight bow hatch and another open-air storage space<\/strong> in the stern to help you make the most of the boat\u2019s 450-pound load capacity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But my favorite feature is the \u201clive tank bait\u201d <\/strong>storage area in front of the seat allowing you to keep either your bait or your catch fresh however long you\u2019re on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lightweight with a short keel, the Skipjack 90 from Vibe Kayaks handles like a sports car <\/strong>and can fit in the back of some larger SUVs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maneuverability is top-notch<\/strong>, a necessity on narrow and fast-moving rivers. Most boats this size struggle to track, but the high chined hull of the Skipjack 90 does a great job of keeping her on course in more inclement conditions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For storage, there\u2019s a large watertight bow hatch and an open-air \u201ctank-well\u201d <\/strong>in the stern secured with bungee cords. Another convenient watertight hatch has been installed in the cockpit, the perfect spot to store valuables and personal items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A paddle holder<\/strong> provides convenience when you need your hands free for your fishing rod. Four fishing rod holders and a universal mounting point<\/strong> allow you to outfit your Skipjack 90 to your precise specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most pedal kayaks are long and can feel a little bulky when maneuvering through tight quarters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But at just ten and a half feet long, the Sportsman 106 from Old Town does a good job of managing the tighter turns and shallower conditions on the river<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s plenty of specific angling accessories included such as the two rod holders and the space to store your poles horizontally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some users have found the tracking to be subpar<\/strong>, but this deficiency is mitigated on most rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The seat can only be adjusted between two positions<\/strong> as opposed to being on a sliding scale that some paddlers may not find comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full review of the Sportsman 106 PDL.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Easily the most cost-effective kayak on this list<\/strong>, the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 is lightweight and should be easy for most solo paddlers to transport on their own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It weighs just 41 pounds and the short 9-foot, 6-inch keel is responsive <\/strong>and handles nicely when pivoting around sharp river bends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For fishing, there are three rod holders, two flush-mounted and another on a swivel<\/strong> in front of the cockpit. There isn\u2019t much in the way of custom options besides that but there is a large watertight stern hatch. I do wish the load capacity was a little bigger than 250 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One performance issue worth mentioning is the short keel and the lack of a rudder means that it can be blown off course<\/strong> on fast-moving rivers or on windy days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full review of the Sun Dolphin Journey 10.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re just getting started, it may be surprising to discover that kayaks represent a sizable financial investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re unsure of how much you\u2019ll be kayaking<\/strong> or your interest is more recreational, choosing a cheaper, lower performing like the Sun Dolphin Journey 10<\/strong> may be a smart choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
2. Best Sit-On-Top River Fishing Kayak: Malibu Stealth Fish and Dive<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
3. Best Small fishing Kayak for rivers: Vibe Skipjack 90<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
4. Best Pedal Kayak for River Fishing: Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Best River Fishing Kayak on a budget: Sun Dolphin Journey 10<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
How to Choose the Best River Fishing Kayak<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are You an Experienced or Beginner Angler?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Picture](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/boat-specs.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Kayaking](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/White-Water-Kayaking-On-A-Class-III-Rapid-706x714.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/vibe-sea-ghost-130\u202fon-the-water.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/intex-excursion-pro-705x490.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n