Paddling opportunities abound on the Juniata and Susquehanna Rivers from the center of Pa. to the Delaware, Youghiogheny, and Allegheny Rivers in the out reaches.  Every portion of our state has a stream or river a few minutes away.

Paddling allows the angler to take fishing to new heights. The scenic beauty of our area is reason enough to venture out on the water trails to view the ridges, mountains, valleys and plateaus that produce the spectacular backdrop to many other activities such as camping and hiking. But there are boundless opportunities for anglers to enhance their fishing fun while catching smallmouth, muskies, walleye and many other species in sizes that anglers do not always have the opportunity to obtain while fishing from shore.

Hazards to paddlers are in many forms: Dams, submerged objects, cold water, fast-changing weather, sunstroke and current.

These hazards aren't always obvious. Paddlers need to recognize these dangers and be ready to avoid them at all times. Unpowered boats now account for more than 50% of Pennsylvania's recreational boating fatalities. Developing a keen appreciation and understanding of the overall "paddling environment" lets boaters avoid hazards on the water.

Paddlers must stay clear of dams. Failure to do results in tragedy. Dangerous currents above the structure can draw boats into water going over or through a dam. Areas below dams are also hazardous because of strong re-circulating currents and turbulent water.

• Paddlers can spot dams by looking down river for a horizontal line going across the water.
• Paddlers should know the location of all dams on the waterway before they launch their boats.
• Water on a dam creates a back current or undertow that can pull a boat into the turbulence and capsize it or hold it there.

Dams do not have to have a deep drop to create dangerous backwash. A small low-head dam that  may have provided a refreshing wading spot can become a death trap when the water levels rise.

Almost 80% of all recreational boating fatalities happen when the victim is not wearing a life jacket or vest. One wearable Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) in serviceable condition and the appropriate size is required for each person in your boat. Life jackets must be worn by children under 12 years of age and on all boats 20 feet and less in length while underway ( which includes drifting boats). Children 12 and under must also wear a life jacket when on board any canoe or kayak.