lake vs. river

Still new to kayaking so bear with me on obvious questions.  So far I have only been out on lakes--just to get the feel of things (like navigating wakes and wind).  I have a Malibu II that seems pretty stable and I can troll off it.  I haven't been in a river yet (I would like to try the Moke) and would like to get a heads up on things to look for or tips before I venture in.

I dont know that river because I live in texas. depending on the flow, rivers are fun. Here we are in a big drought, no water. Current is very slow. Not any diffrent from a lake except sometimes I gotta get out and drag the boat over the low spots. After the rains all the rain water gets funneled down our creeks...tons of fun. Along with the fun comes rapids, logjams, low bridges etc. last year o took my canoe down a creek here. It was chilly out cause it had just rained. Water temp was in the 50's. Went over a 6ft waterfall that hadnt been there before and ate shit. My boat got swept under a logjam. Took me two hours to get it out. Excersize caution. Point ur feet downstream.

Even the threat of getting caught under a log jam keeps me off the water.  I have bank fished the rivers around Stockton, Sacramento, Rio Vista but haven't been adventurous enough to take the kayak on any of them.  There is a nice looking wildlife preserve just past the little town of Thornton going toward Sacramento on I-5 that looks good--I'm not sure what river that is or how it is for fishing.

Rivers our no place to learn make sure you know self rescue and all the basics first this time of year they can be deadly after storms even for experienced yakers. Stay safe watch the flow and always stay with a buddy and you will be better prepared right there with the buddy at your side.

Having been tossed out of my boat on a river, because I did  somehting foolish, and got in a "strainer" I should of avoided.  I would tell you go with some one who has done the river in question.  Don't carry anything but the essentials.  For first time, don't take phone or camera's unless they are waterproof and tied off. Leave the high dollar rod/reel combo at home and fish a cheapo set up, if you loose it, it won't hurt as bad.   Scout your take out very carefully.  I once used a take out by bridge and and thought it was  a good spot...I was waist deep in mud, not fun.  Fishing a river can be a blast, and it can be a worst case scenario, choose wisely grasshopper.

Rivers are no joke - I don't take my cheapest gear - I just don't go if it's very potentially going to cause me to lose gear!

Try going to a river and paddling upstream.  Walk the yak over little riffles or along the edge out of the current.  Study the landscape and sides of the stream where trees and logs may affect the flow or where steep sides would prevent exiting the water.  On your way back down the drift compare what you saw to what you're now experiencing.  Rivers can be more dangerous than any other waterways, but they can also be a total blast.  Safety is the key, and knowing your limits and potential hazards factors in huge.  Have fun!   

Even the threat of getting caught under a log jam keeps me off the water.  I have bank fished the rivers around Stockton, Sacramento, Rio Vista but haven't been adventurous enough to take the kayak on any of them.  There is a nice looking wildlife preserve just past the little town of Thornton going toward Sacramento on I-5 that looks good--I'm not sure what river that is or how it is for fishing.

Newyaker, Like the others have said, you need to practice caution when on rivers, but they are totally doable. This will come with more time on the water and the more experience you gain with your yak and gear. That wildlife preserve your talking about is called Consumnes river preserve. A kayakers Paradise! I've only been there once, but man I want to go again. Really kool scenery and it runs right into the north moklunme. You will need wheels for your yak tho, as its a 200yd+ walk from the parking lot to the launch! I would go again, but not till spring. Better fishing and the waters will be a lil clearer. Another thing to note on our delta waterways are/is the tides. Tides play a major influence/role when fishing and launching here in the delta.

Thanks to everyone for the really useful advice.  I walked the Consumnes Preserve with the wife back in the fall and saw the river from the bank (on the way to a train track).  The water looked still but I understand the deception: it's the current under the surface and anything else that lurks submerged.  I have a cart for the long walk to the dock and have used docks before to get into the kayak--I offer real comic relief using the dock to try to get out of the kayak ( that's when I think I will end up in the water).  I thought that there might be some sloughs or access to calmer water around the Delta--perhaps Wimpy's or New Hope--or places for beginners like myself. If not, the lakes have been fine.

While on a Lake my biggest threat seems to be power boaters.

Rivers are obviously very different. The most threatening things I find are the ones you can't see..stumps, logs, tires etc. My Hobie (fins and rudder) really expose me to underwater hazards. Hitting something underwater while perpendicular to the current has scared the crap out of me and almost sent me in the drink several times.

While kayak fishing a moving river I always face up stream allowing me the use of the rudder to keep the kayak pointing up river. The fins allow me to the set the kayaks pace downstream, generally to match the speed of my bait bouncing along the bottom (back bouncing or side drifting).

Probably the most important thing (in my style of kayak river fishing) is to keep the back of the kayak pointed towards possible trouble (strainers, trees, rocks etc). Turning abruptly while facing the current is much faster than making a turn with the current. One of the drift boaters recently told me I should have a rear view mirror....maybe not such a bad idea.

New dude. Enjoy the paddle, just have a PDF Personal flotation Device  and whatever gear you want to keep strapped down.
I've lost some gear in the American river.  Each time due to dumbass moves on my part.
So really, dont be a dumbass. 

If it helps you gain some confedince, my father threw me in the front of his canoe when I was 6...in wisconsin river rapids. I survived to paddle agian. Pfd, tie downs and rope.

You might want to hit up Dan at the Headwaters or on here "paddleboy84" he is in Lodi and paddles the moke often and might have some great advice for you.

Thanks for the advice, Mr. Matt.  I'm still finding new and inventive ways to be a dumb ass--the kayak just gives me another outlet.  It is a matter of confidence, and like with the lakes I just have to get out and do it (a little step at a time).