Floating down a river is like fishing on a giant conveyor belt. Navigating a kayak through swift current and around dangerous obstacles can be a challenge. Fishing creeks and rivers from a standup paddleboard (SUP) will increase access to new terrain, give a better vantage point to see fish and provide a fun, low-impact workout.
Why You Should Try Fishing Rivers from a SUP
SUPs come in many sizes, shapes and styles, but the best boards for river fishing are either inflatable or rotomolded plastic. Lightweight inflatable boards can be stuffed in a backpack and trekked into remote stretches of the river. These blow-up boards are made out of indestructible reinforced vinyl that is drop-stitched to keep the board stiff without inflating to high pressure. Using a high-volume foot pump, an inflatable can be ready to fish in minutes.
Plastic boards are larger and heavier than an inflatable, but these boards are generally more stable and easier to paddle, making them perfect for bouncing off rocks and scraping over deadfalls. Fancy fiberglass and epoxy boards are too fragile for river fishing—leave these boards at the beach.
The big advantage to river fishing from a SUP comes when casting. SUPs are generally more stable than a kayak and easier to maneuver while standing. Since the river is doing most of the work, SUP anglers don’t have to worry about paddling efficiency and razor-straight tracking to cover water. And it’s easy to hop off the board and fish from shore or a mid-stream rock.
River SUP Safety Tips
- Always wear a PFD. When paddling in whitewater wear a helmet.
- Dress for a swim. Wear neoprene or wool that stays warm when wet. Bring an extra layer.
- Bring a repair kit including duct tape and a urethane patch kit.
- Preview the river with satellite images and topographical maps before leaving. Scout rapids and obstacles before attempting to paddle through.
- Portage around a difficult obstacle or rapids.
- If you fall off in swift water, float on your back with your feet pointing down river. Don’t stand up in fast-moving current; your foot could get stuck. Instead, swim strongly for the bank and don’t stop until your elbows are onshore.
- Leave a float plan with a responsible person. Stick to it no matter how good the fishing is!
Rigging for SUP River Fishing
Look for a standup board that can be pimped out with fishing accessories. I’ve rigged my SUP with RAM rod holders and tie-downs. A vertical paddle holder helps me quickly switch between paddling and fishing. I’ve even strapped a 35-quart cooler to the board to provide dry storage, cold storage and a comfortable place to sit or stand. Even inflatable boards can be rigged with rod holders and tie-downs affixed with powerful adhesives.
Choose a paddle that is tough enough to survive pushing over rocks and prying off deadfalls. I use Werner’s Stinger whitewater SUP paddle because it has a light and tough fiberglass blade and shaft. The tip of the blade is reinforced with an extra layer of fiberglass to stay true even after the worst abuse. A whitewater SUP blade also has a narrow tip to power through the rough stuff.
While it is easier to stand up on a paddleboard, it is also easier to fall off. No problem, since it is just as easy to climb back onboard. Try to fall feet first and keep your arms over your head if you get caught in the washing machine. Always wear a fishing PFD that provides flotation and a convenient place to keep tackle and tools. If you fish swift water from your kayak, switch to a standup paddleboard and see what you’ve been missing.
Boulder, Colorado-based photographer and writer Peter Holcombe is looking forward to his next great adventure running rapids and hooking trout off his SUP.
A standup paddleboard is easy to maneuver and stable, perfect for stand-up fishing in swift water. | Feature photo: Peter Holcombe
