Kayaks In Streams

[TroutRinger]

Recently I have doing a lot of smallie fishing in small streams. However, since I don't have a boat, I am quite limited in where I can go so I am thinking about buying a used kayak. I only plan on using it to paddle upstream to get to spots that I can't wade to and maybe a little further. It's been a while since I've used a kayak in a river so my question is how difficult is it to paddle upstream in a kayak (assuming a stream with an average current)....by the way, if anyone in the St. Louis area has a SOT kayak set up for fishing they want to part with let me know.

[Geoff]

me and most my friends and family have kayaks. I use a sit in, my fiance uses a sit on. i like the sit ins better because i feel more in control. they are super easy to control and paddle with. where about are ya? if it cools down enough i can meet ya somewhere with an extra kayak and let ya tool around in it

[smallmouthjoe]

I prefer the sit ins as well. Going up a riffle in a kayak can be difficult but not as difficult as a solo canoe. It can be done I do it all the time on streams in the southern part of the state and I don't have the strongest upper body.

[Al Agnew]

Actually, I don't find much difference in paddling a solo canoe upstream compared to a kayak, as long as you're using a double bladed paddle for both. You should be able to paddle upstream through everything but really fast, shallow riffles, and those you can get out and walk. When I'm going upstream I tend to get out and drag the boat where it's shallow, anyway, since while I can paddle it, I think it takes less energy to walk it. There will always be places that are trouble spots, where you have very strong current coming into rootwads or other obstructions where the water is too deep to wade easily, but most of the water on the smaller Ozark streams is either paddle-able or wade-able while dragging the kayak (or canoe). If you're reasonably energetic, you can go upstream 3-4 miles in an hour or two.

[RSBreth]

As another member of the "solo canoe posse" I'll second Al's post.

Solo canoes or kayaks are about equal as far as paddling upstream, canoe is better for actually fishing out of, kayaks are available for less money most of the time.

You'll find it easier to get out and wade through most stuff people worry about paddling against.

It's like bicyclists peddling uphill at -5 miles an hour when you could simply hop off and walk it up quicker.

Whatever you get, let us know how it goes. A solo watercraft will open an entire new world of fishing for you.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I have used both, and for me a 12' kayak is easier to paddle upstream, but the canoe is lighter and easier to fish from. As far as going upstream it will depend on stream, even the time of year. Sometimes you have to walk it because of the current, but its rare you can't get as far up as your physical ability will allow.

For small streams I like a 10' SIT and if I were to go against a lot of current a 12' SOT would probably be my first choice, but the canoe is probably the best all round in my opinion.

[Gavin]

I'd go with a sit on top kayak or solo canoe because you will sit a bit higher and its easier to get in and out of the boat. Cheers.

[Wayne SW/MO]

That seems to be what people think Gavin, but I find very little difference in the kayaks when t come to exiting. The canoe is a cinch for sure in that department and what you can carry and reach when afloat.