Not long ago, I decided to start using my vacation time from work for kayak fishing trips. I realized that I was having way more fun on the various lakes and rivers, that places like Tennessee and Texas have to offer than I ever had at some old beach. I sat down and compiled a list of all the places I plan on going soon, and even included ones I would like to go back to.
If you’re into kayak fishing and looking for a unique place to get your fix with a designated vacation, I’ve got you covered. From New York to Oregon, I have found the best kayak fishing vacation destinations in the country, in no particular order.
Briery Creek Lake, Virginia
Located in Prince Edward County, Virginia, Briery Creek Lake is owned and operated by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The 845-acre lake is man-made by a dam that was constructed in 1986 and home to Florida strain largemouth, meaning that trophy fish (22 inches and over) are caught there pretty regularly. If you don’t have a Virginia fishing license you can check in with the park to obtain a temporary fishing permit.
The best time to hit the lake is when water temperatures hit about 60°, which is normally around the last weeks of March and Early April.
The lake is fairly large with a lot of access points so you can fish many different locations over a vacation. Motors are restricted to 10 horsepower or less so you don’t have to worry about a larger vessel bothering you.
Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Reserve, Florida
Located on the Eastern side of Florida, the 21-mile long lagoon boasts the huge Redfish population for which it has become known for. You should also be able to catch fair amounts of Sea Trout, Tarpon, and Black Drum.
Extremely diverse wildlife can be found inhabiting the lagoon such as dolphins, small sharks, and alligators so stay aware of your surroundings. The area sees pretty heavy boat traffic as well, but there is a ‘no-motor-zone’ located on the lake. There is also a restricted area of the lake reserved for the Kennedy Space Center, where trespassers are subject to arrest.
The lagoon requires a special permit to fish and charges $10 daily for use of improved boat ramps.
More info on Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Reserve
Sleepy Creek Lake, West Virginia
Tucked away in the mountainous terrain of West Virginia sits 205-acre Sleepy Creek Lake. The lake is known amongst West Virginia locals for good Largemouth fishing and historically producing state record catches. Built in 1962, this lake has an average depth of 9 feet with the deepest part being 26 feet, trolling deep-running plugs seems to be most effective.
Sleepy Creek Lake is a gem found in a state with mediocre bass fishing. The lake has an electric motors only policy, which allows kayak anglers easier access to the more popular areas of the lake.
A West Virginia issued fishing license is all that is required to fish this lake.
The Devil’s River, Texas
Texas produces some of the nicest bass in the world, The Devil’s River and its crystal clear water are no exception. The majority of the land bordering the river is private property and most of the 100-mile long river is so shallow that it is impossible to paddle, which makes it hard to access. The easiest part of the river to access is the last 40 miles before it empties into Lake Amistad.
The water level rises as you paddle down the river, at some points, you will find deep slow moving pools where you will find nice Largemouth and arguably the best Smallmouth fishing Texas has to offer.
The Devil’s River is home to several class 2 and 3+ rapids making this a dangerous trip for the inexperienced; Dolan Falls is particularly dangerous and should only be attempted by the most experienced of paddlers.
More info on The Devil’s River
Cherokee Lake, Tennessee
Nestled inside of Panther Creek State Park, Cherokee Lake is located in the Holston River Valley about 6 miles west of Morristown, TN. The lake spans 30,000 acres and is popular for not only fishing, but boating, jet skiing, and other recreational activities.
Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Sauger are the most common catches on the lake. Hybrid Striped Bass are stocked annually and commonly reach upwards of 7 pounds. It is also pretty common to real in 20+ pound rockfish.
A Tennessee Fishing license is all that is required to fish this lake.
Honeoye Lake, New York
Honeoye is the next to smallest among the 11 Finger Lakes found in Ontario County, New York. This small lake sits at about 1800 acres with a maximum depth of 30 feet. The lake is a renowned fishery in the area but not the most popular, making it less densely populated on any given day.
Largemouth along with Walleye and an abundance of bluegill and perch can be found in the waters of Honeoye.
Special fishing regulations do apply, however. The regulations placed on the Finger Lakes can vary by the lake, time of year, fish, and even lure type. Be sure to ask about the special regulations in effect during the time you plan on visiting.
China Lake, Maine
Kennebec County, Maine is home to a town named China and the lake named after it. China Lake is 6.8 miles long and covers 4000 acres. The lake has two large basins connected by a narrow passage, with an average depth of 28 feet and some areas reach 85 feet.
Fishermen expect to catch brook trout (which are stocked annually), Largemouth, Smallmouth, White Perch, and Pickerel.
The Lake of Ozarks, Missouri
This lake is one of Missouri’s premiere locations when it comes to vacations. Boasting more than 1,100 miles of shoreline and 54,000 acres of water, the gigantic lake and the area around it is full of attractions. The Lake of Ozarks is laid out in a serpentine shape, giving it the nickname of “The Magic Dragon”.
The lake is absolutely loaded with a diverse range of fish to catch. Most popular catches are Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Striper, and a variety of Catfish.
The surrounding area is full of bait shops, fishing guides, and rentals. Lodging and other attractions are aplenty if you’re looking for other activities as well.
More info on The Lake of Ozarks
Red River of the North, Minnesota
Avoiding the obvious Lake Eerie here, Red River flows North for 550 miles up the state of Minnesota into Lake Winnipeg, Canada. The river is slow moving and perfect for a relaxing trip.
The Red River of the North is known for producing trophy Channel Catfish weighing in excess of 30 pounds but also produces Smallmouth, Pike up to 40 inches, Walleye, and Carp.
The River has a diverse ecosystem full of wildlife, as well. The area attracts many bird watchers and hunters. However, the river is now known for frequent and bad flooding. When planning a trip, be sure to accommodate for the weather.
More info on Red River of the North
Fish Lake, Utah
You can’t argue against a place named Fish Lake. Located in South-Central Utah, the lake sits at an elevation of 8,800 feet and stretches 5 miles long, half a mile wide, and up to 120 feet deep.
The lake is known for gloriously sized Lake Trout (up to 30 pounds) and Perch, all in a scenic mountain setting. Thick weeds litter shore areas, allowing for kayak anglers to get up close and personal with hotspots. Lake Trout are normally found in the deeper parts of the lake.
Benson Lake, Oregon
With no boat launch ramps, Benson Lake is made for kayakers looking for the fishing advantage without having to share space with boats. The small lake is about 40 acres total and pretty quiet as far as fishing goes.
Regular Trout stocking begins in March and normally ends sometime in June. Largemouth Bass and Catfish are frequently caught in the lake, but other common warm water fish can be found also.
Benson Lake is not a crazy popular destination for kayak fishing, but shouldn’t be overlooked. The lake has a quiet and calming nature that one has to experience to appreciate.
Lewiston Lake, California
Shaped almost like a river, Lewiston is a long and narrow lake found in Northern California. The lake is 5 miles long, about a mile wide, and averages about 10 feet deep. Near the end of the lake, the water is around 65 feet deep.
Trophy-sized Rainbow and Eagle Trout are found in Lewiston Lake. Fly fishing from your kayak is recommended here, but not required, because the lake houses hordes of insects. Trolling for Trout is also common and effective.
The lake has restrictions on boat motors and water-top activities so the fishing is always good. The lake is proud of being quiet and relaxing while providing good fishing opportunities.