Kayak Fishing Spots

Browse 18,788 fishing-friendly kayak launch points across 50 states. Find boat ramps, water conditions, and directions for your next trip.

18,788 locations50 states16,682 Lakes1,411 Reservoirs384 Rivers

Browse by State

Minnesota2,021Wisconsin1,898Texas1,196Michigan1,042Florida741Tennessee696Washington642Ohio574California510Kentucky501Oregon466Missouri462Illinois424Georgia420Oklahoma417South Dakota407Pennsylvania406New Hampshire375Maine374Louisiana346Iowa335Arkansas320Idaho316North Dakota302Nebraska288Indiana256South Carolina242Mississippi240Massachusetts240Vermont210Kansas198Montana181North Carolina165Colorado158New York137Alabama131Virginia129New Jersey126West Virginia120Arizona119Connecticut100Wyoming94Utah90Alaska74New Mexico74Delaware73Rhode Island49Maryland46Nevada37Hawaii20

Top Kayak Fishing Locations

woman in black swimsuit holding green surfboard on water during daytime

Hickam Harbor, Oahu

Hawaii · ~1 mi from Hickam Afb

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
woman in black swimsuit holding green surfboard on water during daytime

Waianae, Oahu

Hawaii · ~2 mi from Waianae

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
man sitting on surfboard

Fivemile Landing

Arizona · ~2 mi from Topock

EstuaryKayakingKayak FishingBeginner
an aerial view of the ocean with a cliff in the background

Sand Island, Oahu

Hawaii · ~2 mi from Honolulu

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Dramatic clouds over a dark, reflective landscape

Catfish Paradise

Arizona · ~3 mi from Topock

EstuaryKayakingKayak FishingBeginner
Dramatic clouds over a dark, reflective landscape

Topcock Marsh - North

Arizona · ~5 mi from Topock

EstuaryKayakingKayak FishingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Sumner

Mississippi0

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Claiborne Landing

Maryland · ~0 mi from Claiborne

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Morehead City

North Carolina · ~0 mi from Morehead City

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a small sailboat with an american flag on it

Town of Duxbury Pier

Massachusetts · ~0 mi from Duxbury

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A group of boats floating on top of a large body of water

Old Landing Wharf

Massachusetts · ~0 mi from Marion

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Two kayakers paddle on a foggy lake.

West Falmouth Harbor Landing

Massachusetts · ~0 mi from West Falmouth

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best kayak fishing spots in the US?

The Paddling Hub lists 18,788 kayak fishing locations across all 50 states. Florida, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, and North Carolina are among the top states for kayak fishing, with hundreds of fishing-friendly launches each.

Do I need a fishing license to kayak fish?

Yes, in nearly all states you need a valid fishing license regardless of whether you're fishing from a kayak, boat, or shore. License requirements, costs, and regulations vary by state. Check your state's fish and wildlife agency for current rules.

What type of kayak is best for fishing?

Sit-on-top kayaks are the most popular choice for kayak fishing because they offer more stability, easier re-entry if you capsize, and open deck space for gear. Fishing-specific kayaks often include rod holders, gear tracks, and wider hulls for standing.

Can I kayak fish in any body of water?

Kayak fishing is possible on lakes, rivers, bays, reservoirs, and coastal waters. Among our listed locations, 16,682 are on lakes, 1,411 are on reservoirs, 384 are on rivers, 145 are on bays, 80 are on creeks. Each water type offers different species and challenges.

What gear do I need for kayak fishing?

At minimum, you need a stable kayak, paddle, PFD (life jacket), rod and reel, tackle, and an anchor. Most kayak anglers also add rod holders, a fish finder, a landing net, and a dry bag for electronics. Start simple and add gear as you learn what works for your style.