Raft
Also called Fishing raft, Inflatable raft, Whitewater raft
A raft is an inflatable boat used to float a river and fish from, either by rowing or by having a guide row while anglers cast.
- Group
- Boats & access
- Category
- Destination & travel
- Level
- Beginner
- Water
- Freshwater
Last updated
What Raft means
A raft is an inflatable, multi-chamber boat built to run shallow rivers and bounce off rocks. For fishing, it’s usually set up with a rowing frame, oarlocks, and a place for one or two anglers to stand or sit while someone rows.
Compared to a drift boat, a raft draws less water and is more forgiving when you bump a rock. It can be rigged a few ways, from a simple paddle raft to a framed fishing raft with a cooler or dry box, anchor system, and casting platforms. Many outfitters use rafts where the river is too bony or technical for a hard boat.
A raft trip is typically a float, you launch at a put-in, fish your way downstream, and take out later in the day. You cover a lot of water, stop to wade certain runs, and fish from the boat between stops.
Why it matters on the water
Boat choice decides what water you can reach and how you fish it. A raft opens up shallow, rocky sections and side channels that are tough to access on foot, and it lets a guide position the boat so casts land tight to banks, seams, and structure without wading.
It also affects safety and pacing. Rafts handle bumps well and give you a stable platform, but you still need a plan for moving around, storing rods, and landing fish without tangles. Knowing what a raft can and can’t do helps you pick the right trip style and show up with the right expectations.
Read next
- Drift boatA drift boat is a shallow river boat built to float downstream while the rower controls speed and direction with oars. Anglers fish from the boat.
- GuideA guide is a professional angler hired to lead a fishing day, manage logistics and safety, and help clients find and catch fish.
- WadersWaterproof pants (often chest-high) that let you wade in rivers and lakes while staying dry and warmer. Most fly-fishing waders are worn with separate wading boots.
- Walk-and-wadeA guided trip style where you reach the river by foot and fish while wading, moving from spot to spot along the bank or in the channel.
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