Best Kayak Fishing Destinations - Mid Atlantic

Potomac River tributary | credit: USGS

The Mid Atlantic region is home to some of the best kayak fishing destinations in the USA. This post includes a state-by-state sampling of kayak fishing destinations in the region.

New York

The upper sections of the Susquehanna and Delaware rivers offer some of the best smallmouth bass fishing on the East Coast.

New Jersey

The Raritan River Watershed is one of New Jersey’s most popular areas for kayak fishing. The Upper Raritan Watershed includes the South Branch Raritan, North Branch Raritan, and numerous smaller tributaries.

New Jersey also provides access to the Delaware River. Coastal areas contain launching areas near some of the best known fishing spots on the East Coast.  

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has hundreds of miles of small streams and creeks that are suitable for kayak fishing. The Susquehanna River is known for its smallmouth bass fishery and other opportunities.

Raystown Lake is one of the best impoundments in the Mid Atlantic region for landlocked striped bass fishing. Near Reading, Blue Marsh Lake noted for its black bass, musky, walleye, panfish, and others. 

Below the Blue Marsh Lake stilling basin, the Tulpehocken Creek tailwater is said to contain one of the best trout fisheries in the area.

The Three Rivers Water Trail includes dozens of river access points along the Allegheny, Ohio, Monongahela, and Youghiogheny Rivers.

Maryland

In Dorchester County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, three rivers are known for their outstanding northern snakehead fisheries.

The Blackwater, Transquaking, and Chicamacomico rivers all produce trophy-class snakeheads. Unusually large snakeheads are known locally as "Godzilla," "dragon," or other nicknames.

In the Chesapeake Bay, kayak anglers fish for striped bass, speckled trout, red fish, and other sport fish.

At Ocean City, kayak anglers fish the inlet, bridges, and coastal bays for flounder, striped bass, bluefsh, and other species.

Delaware

One of the smallest states, Delaware is known for its millpond fishing. From Wilmington to the Maryland line are hundreds of small to medium sized manmade lakes, ponds, and other waterways. Catches include largemouth bass, crappie, pickerel, northern snakeheads, and others.

Virginia

Virginia has a wide range of kayak fishing opportunities. The state has a number of lakes and other impoundments suitable for kayaking. Virginia rivers range from mountain streams to large brackish environments.  

Washington DC

Near the capital is the Potomac River, known as the nation's river. Potomac anglers catch bass, crappie, striped bass, catfish, carp, northern snakeheads, and other species. 

North Carolina

The Albemarle - Pamlico Sound complex contains thousands of miles of swamps, creeks, rivers, and bays where kayak anglers fish for freshwater and saltwater species.

Popular impoundments include Lake Gaston, Lake Mattamuskeet, Lake Norman, and Roanoke Rapids Lake.

Chesapeake Bay Kayaking: Eastern Shore Rivers

This article includes information on rivers and creeks on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Relatively large rivers of the Eastern Shore include the Northeast, Bohemia, Elk, Sassafras, Chester, Wye, Miles, Tred Avon, Choptank, Little Choptank, Blackwater, Nanticoke, Wicomico, and Pocomoke.

In addition to major rivers, there are hundreds of smaller tributaries, creeks, and streams.

The Elk River has a variety of special conditions that paddlers may find interesting. Below Elkton, the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal connects to the river. A variety of public access sites are located up and down the river.

The Chester River flows through Chestertown before emptying into the Chesapeake Bay near Kent Island. The town's annual Downrigging Weekend Tall Ship and Wooden Boat Festival attracts large numbers of historic vessel enthusiasts.

The Choptank River flows through several historic towns and small communities. Near its mouth, Cambridge includes an array of areas where paddlers can launch and explore the river.

At Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, three paddling trails meander through more than 20 miles of salt marshes. The Blackwater River complex is one of the most popular areas in the Chesapeake Bay for catching northern snakehead.

One of the largest rivers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the Nanticoke River is known for its wildlife. Along its banks are Seaford, Blades, Woodland, Vienna, Tyaskin, Bivalve, Nanticoke, Elliot's Island, and other communities.

Public access sites are found throughout the Nanticoke. Along the river are several notable parks including Seaford, Phillips Landing Recreation Area, Cherry Park (Sharptown), and Vienna Waterfront Park. Additional areas for launching kayaks and other paddlecraft exist at Woodland, Elliot's Island, Tyaskin, and Nanticoke.

Along the Wicomico River is mix of urban properties, industrial sites, waterfront neighborhoods, marinas, and other human activity. Public access can be found in Salisbury, Mount Vernon, and Dames Quarter.

The Pocomoke River is known for its extensive cypress swamp habitats. Kayakers can explore the Pocomoke River by launching at Porter's Crossing, Snow Hill, Pocomoke River State Park, Pocomoke City, and Shelltown.

Related Information

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Paddling Trails

Best Kayaking Areas in Maryland

Highland Park Veterans Kayak Launch - Norfolk VA

In October, members of the Highland Park Civic League honored military veterans and their dedication to service with a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the Highland Park Veterans Kayak Launch.

The launch is located at the corner of 44th Street and Colley Avenue in Norfolk. The new launch site features a floating pier and launch ramp which extends into Knitting Mill Creek, a tributary of the Lafayette River.

The Highland Park Civic League consists of residents and business owners in the Highland Park neighborhood in Norfolk, VA. The organization works to encourage and promote civic improvements in the local community of Highland Park.

Ohio Paddlesports Popularity

Paddlesports in Ohio have increased in popularity over the past several years, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

In 2015, more than 161,000 Ohioans registered canoes, kayaks or other paddle-specific watercraft. Over the last decade (2006-2015), Ohio’s kayak and canoe registrations (including liveries) have increased 138 percent.

The state expects the sport to grow as the state continues to invest in the paddling community.

From 2006 to 2015, more than $7 million was provided through community grant programs and publications. support provided carry-in and small boat access, as well as hands-on skill development through local education and recreation programs, including Paddle Palooza festivals and the Paddle Ohio program.

It also funded publications detailing stream access and paddling opportunities.

Ohio's water resources include 451 miles of the Ohio River, approximately one-third the entire surface area of Lake Erie, more than 605 inland lakes and more than 60,000 miles of inland streams, rivers and, other waterways.

Ohio is one of only seven states in the nation where admission and parking at state parks are free.

For more information, visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.com.

source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Paddle Ohio

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) recently launched the Paddle Ohio initiative to promote paddling on Ohio's state-designated wild, scenic and recreational rivers and water trails.

The Paddle Ohio initiative will reward individuals who paddle four of Ohio's wild, scenic and recreational rivers or water trails with a commemorative pin. Participants simply submit information about their four paddling trips on the Paddle Ohio registration form at paddle.ohiodnr.gov, and ODNR will mail the pin to qualifying individuals.

Future plans include a series of pins paddlers will be able to collect for paddling up to 20 different segments of Ohio's wild, scenic and recreational rivers or water trails.

Ohio pioneered the river preservation movement in 1968 with the passage of the nation's first scenic rivers act. This legislation created a state movement to protect Ohio's high quality streams for future generations.

Information on Ohio's scenic rivers and water trails is available from the ODNR Division of Watercraft at watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/scenicrivers.

source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Bloede Dam - Patapsco Valley State Park

Patapsco River kayakers could have improved access in the future, if a third dam is removed from the river. Bloede Dam, which is owned by DNR is located in Patapsco Valley State Park.

The possible removal of Bloede Dam is part of a larger, more comprehensive effort to restore 43 miles of stream habitat for migratory and resident fish. The Patapsco River restoration project started with the removal of Union Dam in September 2009.

The Patapsco River once supported runs of shad, herring, and American eels, but multiple dams on the river have blocked fish migrations. According to biologists, a number of species have returned to the upper river following the removal of Union and Simkins Dams.

DNR is accepting input online at dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/bloededam/index.asp

Comments or suggestions are due by August 31, 2012.

A complete copy of the draft and more information is available at dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/bloededam/index.asp

source: MD DNR

2012 Schuylkill River Sojourn

The 2012 Schuylkill River Sojourn is scheduled for June 2 to 8.


The Schuylkill River Sojourn is a 112-mile guided kayak and canoe trip that begins in rural Schuylkill Haven and ends seven days later in Philadelphia's Boathouse Row.

Participants can register for as little as one day, or for the entire trip. The river includes rapids, calm water, scenery, and celebrations  in the river towns.

For more information, visit www.schuylkillriver.org

Upper Potomac River Advisory until September 13, 2011

According to Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP), the recent Upper Potomac River Advisory has been extended until September 13, 2011 and will be updated at that time if necessary.

Due to recent precipitation, river levels are hazardous for recreational use on the main stem of the Upper Potomac River from Cumberland to Little Falls.

For more the latest information on Potomac River conditions between Cumberland and Little Falls, call the National Weather Service at 703-996-2200.

Kayaking in Mid Atlantic Rivers and Creeks

Tidal rivers and creeks contain some of the most beautiful kayaking areas in the Mid Atlantic region. Habitats in these waterways are determined by salinity and tidal flow. Depending on location, the transition from salt to fresh water may span hundreds of miles or occur in a very short distance.

In the lower sections of these rivers, marsh grasses, crabs, oysters, saltwater fish and other marine life is usually present. Birds are abundant in salt marsh areas, with bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, herons, egrets, plovers, and rails being a few of the most commonly seen species. Salinity can fluctuate considerably, depending on rainfall, tidal flows, and other factors.

Moving up river, salt marsh grasses give way to pickerelweed and trees begin to appear along the banks. Saltwater fish species disappear and brackish species such as channel catfish, white perch, yellow perch, and gar become common.

Further up tidal areas, rivers and creek habitats change considerably. Lily pads and cypress trees begin appearing in greater numbers. A wide range of wildlife is abundant. Species of fish that live in these areas include largemouth bass, chain pickerel, northern snakehead, sunfish, crappie, catfish, shiners, white perch, yellow perch, and other species. In some remote waterways, beavers and river otters are present.

The final zone occurs above the tidal line. Here water levels occasionally rise and fall due to extreme high tides, but the apparent flow is always downstream. This type of habitat is famous for American shad, hickory shad and river herring spawning runs, which occur for 2-3 weeks in the spring. At this stage, water visibility varies widely, depending on a range of factors. A variety of freshwater fish species are found in these smaller creeks and streams.

Related Information

Eastern Shore Rivers

Kayak Fishing for Sunfish: Spring Techniques

bluegill sunfish (bream)

During spring, Mid Atlantic kayak anglers enjoy excellent fishing for members of the sunfish (bream) family. Sunfish species include bluegill, redear, pumpkinseed, green, and others. These colorful fish are sometimes found among other members of the sunfish family such as crappie, fliers, rock bass, and warmouth.

Most sunfish feed aggressively leading up to the spawning season. This is a good time to practice early season fishing for sunfish. Prior to the spawning season, sunfish species migrate into spring habitats and begin feeding right away. Most will attack small jigs, soft plastics, or other lures that imitate food sources. Natural baits also work well for sunfish, especially nightcrawlers, insect larvae, tiny minnows, or small crayfish.

During early spring, sunfish are sometimes found in near shore vegetation where they can feed as well as seek shelter. In some cases, kayak fishing is the only possible means of access to these areas.

In slow moving rivers, creeks and farm ponds of the Mid Atlantic, water lilies appear in spring. Sunfish quickly take up residence among the beds. As the spring season progresses, a food chain develops. This aquatic micro-system begins with tiny insects and invertebrates that come to feed on lily pads or algae. These inhabitants attract minnows, sunfish, and other species of fish.

As the season progresses these areas become important feeding areas for crappie, bluegill, and other sunfish species. Most kayak anglers are familiar with these habitats and have a preference for this type of fishing.

Some anglers carry a second rod which is rigged for largemouth bass and chain pickerel. Both species are frequently found in the same structure and are known for their habit of attacking angler's hooked sunfish.

Best Kayaking Areas in Maryland

Maryland has a diverse range of areas for kayaking. The state's waterways range from fast moving whitewater rapids to saltwater tidal marshes of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast.

Western Maryland offers some of the most striking scenery in the state.

Both the upper branch of the Potomac and the Youghiogheny River are famous for their whitewater kayaking opportunities.

Deep Creek Lake (3900 acres) is the largest lake in Maryland. Although its size and boat traffic can be a factor, Deep Creek Lake is a perennial favorite among Maryland kayakers. Deep Creek lake also has man-made areas for white water kayaking.

In Garrett County, Broadford Lake (140 acres) is popular among kayak fishermen. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, panfish, and tiger musky.

Piney Reservoir (Garrett County) - This lake has largemouth bass, yellow perch, tiger musky, rainbow trout, and a variety of pan fish.

Youghiogheny Reservoir lies along the Maryland - Pennsylvania border. The reservoir is known for its outstanding fishing for smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, yellow perch, brown trout, and rainbow trout.

Blairs Valley Lake is located in Washington County on the Maryland - Pennsylvania border.

Rocky Gap Lake - Lake Habeeb in Allegany County is another western Maryland lake where kayaking is popular.

In the Northeast part of the state, kayakers can explore rivers such as the Susquehanna, Elk, and Chester. The lower reaches of these famous rivers are important nurseries for fish and wildlife.

On the Western Shore, historic rivers such as the Severn, Patuxent and Patapsco offer exceptional sightseeing trips.

In Harford and Baltimore Counties, Gunpowder Falls State Park encompasses Big and Little Gunpowder Falls and the Gunpowder River. Topography within the park ranges from tidal marshes and wetlands to steep, rugged slopes. For kayakers, the Hammerman Area offers Gunpowder River access, with beaches and launch facilities for kayaks.

The Potomac River is a nationally famous river for kayaking. Potomac River kayakers can choose from a variety of environments, including fast moving white water, main river trips or excursions along the lower Potomac's tidal marshes. The Potomac is known for its excellent fishing with both freshwater and saltwater species occupying its waters.

On Maryland's Eastern Shore, several rivers provide outstanding habitats for kayakers. Upstream, these rivers are home to cypress swamps and other black water environments. Many of these areas are teaming with fish, birds, reptiles and other wildlife.

In Queen Anne's County, Tuckahoe State Park offers access for kayaking. The main attraction of the park is Tuckahoe Creek, a quiet stream which runs through the length of the park. The park's 60-acre lake is perfect for kayaking and fishing.

The southern counties of Wicomico, Worcestor and Somerset have several outstanding kayaking destinations that are suitable for fishing, birdwatching, and viewing wildlife.

The Wicomico River has plenty of kayaking access. In its upper reaches, the river offers good fishing for largemouth bass and northern snakehead. As the river nears Tangier Sound, white perch, striped bass, and catfish dominate catches.

In Somerset County, Janes Island State Park offers excellent access. Kayakers can explore the creek that borders the park, or venture farther out to dozens of isolated islands in the Chesapeake Bay.

Related Information

Chesapeake Bay Kayaking: Eastern Shore Rivers