When it comes to buying the best kayaks for lake rides, there are too many options available out there. But the question is: Which kayak is the best for lakes? 

Keeping this question in mind, I have come across a list of 21 best lake kayaks that are fast, spacious, durable and most importantly manufactured by a top-rated brand. 

So, you can easily think of buying any of these kayaks for your next adventure.

Let’s get started.

Related Readings: 

• 18 Best Fishing Kayaks Under $500 To Buy In 2022 [Top-Rated]
• 16 Cheap Pedal Kayaks To Buy In 2022 [Affordable]
• 19 Best Fishing Kayaks Under 1000 [#1 Is Game Changer]
• 21 Best Kayaks For camping [Best Of 2022]
• 19 Best 12 Foot Fishing Kayaks That Will Blow Your Mind In 2022
• 19 Best Paddle Fishing Kayaks For 2022 [Updated List]
• 17 Best Fishing Kayaks For Big Guys To Buy In 2022
• 18 Best 10 Feet Kayaks [Sit On Top & SIt In Design]

Before Moving Ahead, Here Are Our Top 6 Picks From This Article

21 Best Kayaks For Lakes [List Of 2022]

1.Old Town Heron 9XT Lake Kayak

This is the ultimate lake kayak that comes at an affordable pricing point and is best suited for those with a knack for touring, camping and recreational rides on lake water. The Old Town Heron 9Xt is a pretty stable kayak and can also take out for a spin by beginners and newbie paddlers alike. 

The kayak combines both the elements of recreational as well as a fishing kayak. That’s the reason why most of the paddlers opt for it. For example, it has got 2 mounts for keeping your rod holders, adjustable flex seat and a storage hatch on the back to keep your fishing and other essentials close to hand. 

And, of course, the hull of the kayak is designed for utmost stability and gives a superior level of balance to the paddler. 

This kayak remains out of stock most of the time so grab it right now and thank me later because you’ll get a reliable kayak that’ll bring you and your family years of fun for seasons to come.

2.Old Town Loon 120 Lake Kayak

Now here’s introducing one of my favourite lake kayaks of all time. The Old Town Loon 120 is the best recreational kayak to venture out for a little fresh air on the lake and many other water types. It is jam-packed with eye-captivating features and add-ons like USB charger points, gear trays, side mount tracks, cup holders and dry storage box and a lot more.

Yes, you can take it out for any type of water sports activity including sit-in fishing, duck hunting, recreational ride, touring and camping day or night on the water. 

With a sharp and narrow hull design, the Old Town Loon 120 lake kayak is built for any paddler and offers effortless gliding and straightforward tracking experince on water. Within a few paddle strokes, you can take this far away from the shoreline.

The game-changing feature of this kayak is its Active Comfort System 2.0 seat which makes the kayaking journey smooth, sound and hassle-free.

3.Old Town Heron 11XT  Lake Kayak 

This Old Town Heron kayak for the lake is a big brother of Heron 9XT, meaning it comes with more storage space, enhanced stability and features, and most importantly more speed. It is a top-rated lake kayak that is constructed by keeping the need and wants of both beginner and professional kayakers. 

From deep blue to ocean bays, from fast-moving rapids to small choppy waves, this kayak is made sea-worthy, so you can enjoy taking it for a ride on all types of water. 

The overall construction of the kayak is made with industry-leading material that makes it durable, strong, and rock-solid to tackle any daunting condition on the water. It will 100% stay protected from dings, dents, damages and other abrasions and keep you safe and sound as well. 

However, the kayak is slightly on the heavier side and I would suggest you to carry a kayak rack or use a kayaking trailer for hassle-free transportation. 

4.Wilderness Systems Pungo 125 Kayak For Lake

Now here comes the big daddy of all the lake kayaks of this year. Just buy this kayak without thinking twice and you’ll surely be satisfied with its performance. The Wilderness System Pungo: is a perfect kayak for all sorts of sports acitivtes on water. It is made large and spacious so can carry fishing gear and other accessories as well.

This large and stable kayak features a roomy cockpit for easy entry and exit. From its stable hull design to the Air Pro seating system, this kayak is easy to paddle and manoeuvrable. Even kids, teens and newbie paddlers can use it. 

Following are some other features of the kayak to watch out for: Footbracing system to adjust the leg lenght, thigh padding that allows you to rest your leg in a comfortable way, slide Trax system for mounting accessories, skid plate, carry handle and 2 cup holders to carry your beverages.

5.Dagger Phantom Kayak For Lakes

A stunning hull design, wide stern profile and high rise bow make Dagger Phantom the perfect kayak for lakes. This is the updated kayak for 2022 and you’ll not only find it comfortable but durable as well. The cockpit is designed only for a single person with wide space so that you can get in and out of the kayak easily. 

Available in two colours back and red, Dagger Phantom is also one of the most good looking kayaks ever. With ample storage and safety features, Dagger will give you a lifetime experience in the lake and make sure that you don’t tip off in the water. 

Apart from this, the kayak is also available in three sizes: small, medium and large which makes it best suitable for everyone. The feature that I personally loved about Dagger is its Ergo seats that give ultimate comfort and safety.

6.KokopelliMoki I Inflatable Kayak For Lake

Moki is a perfect lake kayak for those looking for high performance, speed and durable kayaks in 2022. From front to back and top to bottom, this entire kayak is made with drop stitch technology that keeps that kayak in real shape after inflation and deflation as well. 

It comes with 9in (23cm) removable tracking fin that moves up and down to protect your kayak from underwater obstacles and ensures that your kayak moves straight. The kayak also features Leafield D7 valves, and a multi-chamber for easy inflation and giving more security to the kayak. 

The total weight of this kayak is 26.7lb (12.1kg), but packing down to less than a checked suitcase. Overall the Moki-Lite is a fun to ride kayak and ideal for flat open waters, touring, and ocean paddling.

7.Old Town loon 126 Angler Kayak For Lake

Fishing in the lake is getting tough day by day. If you want to succeed in fishing at the lakeside, you need a kayak that is fast, easy to navigate, stable, durable and backed with fishing features. And Old Town loon 126 Angler is that kayak.

With a sharp keel design and triple-layer polyethene hull, this kayak is best suitable for fishing in lakes, rivers, seas and oceans as well. The sharp keel design not only increases the speed of the kayak but also keeps it stable throughout the journey. 

The core USP of this kayak is its removable work deck that gives amazing storage space to store tools, accessories and gears.  It also includes a USB port so that you can keep your device up and ready 24*7

For fishing, this kayak has got: flush-mount rod holders, an anchor system,  hatch with bulkhead for storage of gears and tools, bow and stern carry handles for easy transportation, a bow and stern bungee, a paddle clip, a drain plug for safety, and a lot more.

8.Wilderness SystemsTsunami

With all-new aesthetics and features, Tsunami is here to take your paddling experience to the level of awesomeness. It is designed to inspire and built to last so that you can play as hard as you can. With modern deck lines, mesh deck storage and arced sidewalls, the all-new Tsunami is a touring kayak that everyone wishes to have.

It has 2 soft-touch carry handles at back and front so that you can easily carry and move this kayak from one spot to another. On the front of the cockpit, there are two gear pockets to store small tools, gears and accessories in a dry state. 

There’s also a space under the deck where you can keep your water bottle and other mid-size gears. It is backed by Phase 3 AirPro seats that are most comfortable and has improved adjustability allowing you to move seats back and front. To store large accessories, there is a rear hatch with a cover.

The only downside of this kayak is that it does not feature rod holders and fin for tracking. 

9.Ocean Kayak Venus 10 Sit-On-Top Kayak For Lake

If you are a woman or female and looking for the best recreational kayak for yourself, this is it. The Ocean Venus kayak 11 comes with a low deck profit and seats comfortably designed especially for women. The kayak is 10 feet long and weighs 34 pounds making it incredibly lightweight so that female paddlers of any age can easily pick and transport it.

If you are a newbie paddler and scared about paddling for the first time, then worry no more. 

Paddling in this kayak is extremely easy. Just step into it, plop down on the adjustable seat and start paddling. That’s it. You also don’t need to worry about the kayak getting flooded with water and sinking down, thanks to its drain system.

Along with this kayak comes a 6-inch long storage hatch where you can store your keys, small gears, cell phones and other accessories. Overall this is a go-to kayak for women that tracks well on all water conditions.

10.NRS Star Paragon Inflatable Lake Kayak

If you are hunting for a lightweight kayak made with drop-stitch construction, the NRS Star Paragon XL Inflatable kayak should be on your list. The drop-stitch PVC construction keeps the boat in actual shape and size when inflated at full pressure. This material and technology also make it durable and strong.

You can surely think of talking for a spin on flatwater, whitewater, lakes, rivers and seas. There’s a self-draining floor along with an anti-slip and rigid deck to give a stable and stress-free platform for standing. Controlling this kayak is just like eating a piece of a cake and will help beginners as well.

Although the kayak lacks features for fishing, it also has several mounting points that are compatible that can help you to carry a wide range of accessories like fishing rods, and so much more.

Safety-wise, I would give this kayak 100 on 100 as it comes with 3 air chambers and 12 D rings lashing points.

11.HO Sports Ranger Lake Kayak 1 Person

For those looking for an inflatable kayak for a lake with ample room space, the Ranger Kayak from HO Spots should be on their list. This kayak is for adventure seekers that come with top-rated performance, rigid design, portability, lightweight and quick inflation and deflation time.

Are you a first time user? No worries. This kayak has a stable hull design to give you enough confidence even while you are paddling for the first time. Also, tipping off from this kayak is next to impossible because of its stability.

Again, this entire kayak is made with RIGID Drop-Stitch floor construction that will give you good stiffness and standing platform. It comes with 2 bungee storage spaces on top and there’s ample storage in the cockpit area as well. It comes with 2 paddles, a high back seat, a storage pocket, fishing rod holders and an inflation pump. 

12.Advanced Elements Expedition Elite  Lake Kayak

This advanced element kayak for the lake is hybrid in nature and a combination of a folding frame and an inflatable kayak. It has aluminium rib-frame technology in the bow and stern, and drop-stitch technology in the floor that makes this kayak one of a kind. This feature also gives excellent paddling performance in all kinds of water.

The aluminium rib-frame gives the kayak good stability, performance and control even in challenging situations, while the drop stitch floor technology makes the floor rigid and creates a hull chine. You can also stand on the floor and try your luck with fly fishing. 

The weight of the kayak weighs 42 lbs. (19 kg) and it is designed only for a person. It has a 9 air chamber to offer quick inflation, deflation and more buoyancy, so you can enjoy the best paddling experience.

One of my personal favourite features of this kayak is its low centre of gravity design that makes it easy for paddling even for newbies.

13.Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Lake Kayak

When planning for long-distance paddling, you need a kayak that is a powerhouse of speed and performance. This Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak for the lake is suitable for long-distance adventures and weighs only 5 kgs which makes it easy to carry and transport.

It tracks effortlessly straight and has the capacity to carry all your gears and accessories without fail. An ultra weight design and 24*7 ready for the expedition, this kayak should be on your list if looking for solo touring lake kayaks.

It is made with Heavy-duty thermoplastic urethane (TPU) cover, while the floor is made with a nylon-reinforced PVC double-sided TPU which makes it durable and strong. To provide you with an accessories carrying system, this kayak features MOLLE plates with included mesh bags.

Other key features of this kayak includes a comfy seat, backrest, Hook and loop adjustment strips, Paddle keepers, Carrying handles. Quick-release fin. Deck cargo bungees, Boston valve and more.

14.Old Town Vapor 10XT Kayak

Balancing comfort, style and performance equally, this Old Town Vapor 10XT lake kayak has taken the market by storm. With 10 feet height, beam space of 72.4 cm and a deck height of 16.75″, this is a go-to kayak for a single person looking for fishing, day touting, hunting or any other adventures on water.

It has a carrying capacity of 147 kgs which makes it suitable for small, medium as well as large size paddlers. Yes, you can also take a small child or a dog with you.

It has a flat hull design and V-shaped bow and stern which makes it flexible to any type of water conditions. The flat hull will offer good primary as well as secondary stability on the water, while the V-shaped bow and stern will take care of stability and speed.

Apart from that, this kayak also comes with Flex XT adjustable padded seat and backrest for all-day paddling comfort.

15.Field  Stream Blade 120 Elite Kayak

Looking for better stability, comfort and all-around paddling performance? If yes, then Blade 120 has got your back. 

This long and narrow made kayak for the lake is perfect for all-day paddling in any type of water condition. It comes with bungee cords so that you can safely keep your gears and accessories. It also features a front console that can be used as safe storage while paddling above the water.

Worried about tipping off? A drain plug is here to help you out. They’ll keep the water out from filling in your kayak, while the easy and adjustable seat will give you all-day comfort.

Overall this is a good and budget-friendly kayak for the lake in 2022. The only downside associated with it is that you cannot use it for fishing. 

16.Perception JoyRide 10.0 Kayak For Lake

This is yet another exceptional piece of kayak that is 100% made in USA by keeping all the needs and wants of paddlers in mind. The comfortable, adjustable and ventilated seat with padding makes this kayak apart from others on the list. This type of seating arrangement will keep you calm, cool and chilled out when out for all-day paddling. 

The centre dashboard at front of the seat has got accessories to mount where you can keep your smartphone, rods, small gears and items. For easy transportation and carry, it has got 2 handles one at the back and one at the front. 

At the back, it has also got an easy-open hinged hatch cover for secure storage access. Overall this is a kayak for newbies, beginners and expert paddlers alike who are looking for recreational activities on the water. 

17.Pelican Blitz 100X EXO Kayak

Smooth, stylish and comfortable that’s how our next lake kayak is. The BLITZ 100X is specially made for fishing and its sit on top design proves it all. The multi-chine hull is here to provide you with extreme stability even in tough conditions, while the adjustable ERGOLOUNGE™ seating system will provide you top-rated comfort all day long.

The height of this kayak is 10 feet and weighs only 44 lb which makes it lightweight and easy to carry plus transport. From bow to stern, this entire kayak is made with RAM X material which makes the kayak ultra durable.

This is a spacious kayak and has enough storage space for your gears and other essentials. For example, it has got a storage platform on the deck and bungee cords. There’s also a removable pouch that comes along with this kayak where you can store additional tools. Plus, the tankwell at the back is always there to ensure you can stuff more gears. 

For fishing lovers, this kayak has got two accessory eyelets and two flush mount rod holders.

18.Perception Rambler 13.5 Tandem Kayak For Lake

Still could not find the best kayak for the lake? No worries. Perception Rambler is here to help you out. This is a tandem kayak for fishing and recreation. It is best known for its comfort, stability, safety and durability. The large open deck, friendly seats, ergonomic support and tons of footrest options will give you the comfort that you deserve, while the roto moulded construction makes this kayak durable. 

This kayak is 100% made in the USA and has a unique hull design to give you straight tracking while maintaining manoeuvrability. The cockpit is in an oval shape that allows easy entry and exit for both partners.

The only drawback of this kayak is that it does not come along with fishing features like rod holders, accessories mount and so on. 

19.Lifetime Teton Pro 116 Fishing Kayak

For the paddlers who are in search of the highly versatile, unique and best fishing kayak at an affordable cost, then Lifetime Teton Pro 116 Fishing Kayak has got your back. Adjustable foot brace, comfortable seating system. deck channel, drainage system, 4 carry handles, mount holding system and you name it, this kayak has got it all. 

It is loaded with features to make sure the paddling journey of yours is memorable, safe and sound. 

Although this kayak is multipurpose in nature, I would recommend you to use it for fishing through lakes, reservoirs and rivers. 

20.Old Town Sportsman Discovery Solo 119 Canoe

In case you are fed up with too many kayaks and want to explore something new, then here’s introducing Old Town Sportsman Solo Fishing Canoe for lakes. 

This canoe is an ideal pick for those who are interested in fishing and hunting. It’s simple in design and backed by features with agility and sleek handling. 

Among its core features include: padded armrests with trays, customizable accessory tracks, a custom tackle box, and plenty of rod holders. There is enough space on the deck for fishing crates, duck hunting gears, camping accessories and your dog as well.

Specification wise this kayak is 11-foot, 9-inch long and has a 354-pound maximum capacity. The total weight of the canoe is 56 pounds making it ultra-lightweight. 

21.Perception Sound 9.5 Kayak For Lake

By maintaining the balance between comfort, stability, safety and durability, Perception Sound 9.5 is next on this list of kayaks for lakes. You can use it for fishing as well as recreational purposes. It is a combination of portability, lightweight, comfort and speed which makes a 360-degree kayak. 

Jam-packed with features, Perception Sound also comes with rod holders, rear storage space and bungee for attaching your gears and accessories.

The seats are ergonomic and very much supportive to give all-day comfort to your back. The keel is uniquely designed in a sharper manner to keep the kayak stable in all water conditions. Just in front of the seat, you’ll find a nice gear tray where you can keep small items and accessories.

With Perception Sound, you also don’t need to worry about transportation as it has got front and rear moulded handles for easy transportation with lockable security.

FAQs About Best Kayaks For Lakes