I have read that a lot of people who put trolling motors on canoes usually stick with a 30# thrust motor and say that is fine. I have seen a lot of YouTube videos with a 30# Minn Kota and it seems to move a canoe around fairly quickly but that is usually in a lake. I am wondering how a trolling motor would stand up to the tail waters at a dam. Just an average flow whatever that may be.

One of the places I definitely want to check out is the tail waters at Nolin Lake. I go every year to see the eagles that migrate there in the winter and I have always wanted to float down the river there but have never really enjoyed the thought of paddling back up! How does a 30# thrust trolling motor compares to an "arm-strong" motor? Will it be able to handle any current that I am able to paddle against with just an oar?

I know that a larger trolling motor will drain a battery faster but I am not opposed to loading 2 deep cycles if need be. I'm sure a small outboard would push the canoe better but wildlife photography is my hobby and the whole reason for doing this so I would like to stick with the trolling option since it is quiet. Fishing is just an added bonus. In any case, I am not concerned with top speed, only being able to push back upstream once I am down.

What do you guys think?