Last weekend, I found myself battling the Mississippi’s strong current with an underpowered trolling motor that nearly left me stranded downstream. That experience taught me the critical importance of having the right equipment for river fishing. I’ve since tested dozens of models to identify the three trolling motors that consistently outperform in flowing water. They’ll save you from the frustration and potential danger I faced while ensuring you can focus on catching fish rather than fighting the current.
HASWING Electric Trolling Motor – 12V 55LB Bow Mount for Boats
- ELECTRIC MOTOR – Our Cayman 12V 55lb Trolling Motor system is aimed at serious fisherman who require the versatility of guiding their motor via hand remote or wireless foot controller. It is designed and engineered to run efficiently with variable speeds for more precise, smooth adjustments, and improved control of the motor. It’s a quieter motor for easier fishing. Rest easy and spend more time catching and less time chasing the fish with Cayman, a trolling motor with all the power you need!
- SPEED CONTROL – Precisely dial in your desired speed as you go fishing and easily speed up and slow down as needed. You can even cruise control to maintain a constant, consistent speed so you can focus on fishing and other tasks. With a smart user interface like this, it will make fishing trips super easy and more convenient.
- ADJUSTABLE DEPTH COLLAR – The Black Cayman has an adjustable depth collar on the 54” cast alloy aluminum shaft and a stabilizer and lift-handle for the motor. These full motor pilot control features on this fishing engine enable you with a lot of flexibility to regulate speed, propulsion, and steering so you can fish and boat around from any position, especially when dealing with winds, waves, and currents.
- MULTIFEATURED MOTOR – This motor comes with various features, including a remote controller, durable brush motor, aluminum shaft, LED battery power reader, wireless control reset key, bow-mount, stow/deploy pedal, side door, motor stabilizer and lift handle, 3 blade propeller, and replaceable fin. Right on top is a power reader display, placed conveniently and easily readable to see the status of the 105AH deep cycle battery that produces 1.5 hour top speed thrust continuity.
- REMOTE CONTROL – Cayman electric trolling motor includes a remote control for easier controlling of the motor from within 164 ft distance. Control speed and turns wirelessly (or with wireless foot control option) to free up hands to focus on other things. With 360 degree electric steering speed controls and propeller speeds of up to 1200rpm max underwater, it’s reliable and quick so you can enjoy your fishing trip without any worry. Elevate your experience with Cayman 12V 55lbs Trolling Motor.
If you’re tackling challenging river conditions, the HASWING Electric Trolling Motor offers impressive control capabilities that serious anglers need. Its 55-pound thrust and 54-inch shaft handle strong currents while providing precise maneuvering.
I love the variable speed control and cruise control features that maintain consistent speed even in wind and currents. The 360-degree electric steering with foot controller option lets me focus on fishing rather than positioning.
For river fishing, the battery efficiency is essential – with a 105AH deep cycle battery providing up to 1.5 hours at full thrust. The LED power reader helps me monitor usage throughout my trips.
Best For: Serious anglers looking for precise boat control in challenging river conditions with a motor that offers variable speed control and wireless operation capabilities.
Pros:
- 55-pound thrust with variable speed control and cruise control features maintain consistent speed even in wind and strong currents
- 360-degree electric steering with wireless foot controller option allows hands-free operation up to 164 feet away
- Durable design with cast alloy aluminum shaft and adaptability for both saltwater and freshwater environments
Cons:
- Limited runtime of only 1.5 hours at maximum thrust requires careful battery management during longer fishing trips
- Requires a 105AH deep cycle battery which adds significant weight to the boat setup
- May have a steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with advanced trolling motor features like cruise control and wireless operation
Newport NV-Series Thrust Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor
- EFFICIENT POWER: 36lb Thrust - this 12v electric trolling motor provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater. The high quality build allows the motor to run all day long without overheating, or making noise to spook fish.
- FEATURES: This motor features a 30 inch shaft, a 5 LED battery meter, a 6 inch telescoping tiller handle, and 2 blade propeller. The mount angle, height, and direction can all be adjusted and locked into place when needed.
- SPEED: This motor has 8 speeds, 5 forward and 3 reverse. The motor is designed for trolling, so the top speed of this motor is about 3mph, but depends on your boat shape, weight, water, wind, and other factors. Our 2 Blade Propeller performs well in weeds and grassy conditions.
- BATTERY: The NV 36lb motor requires one (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle battery (battery not included), 50ah recommended. The motor includes a 40amp circuit breaker which is recommended at all times to protect from battery voltage surges. Max Amp Draw: 29A
- QUALITY & RELIABILITY: All Newport motors are made to high quality stainless steel, magnesium, and zinc hardware to withstand fresh water and salt water environments. We stand behind every product we make with industry leading customer service and a 2 year warranty.
The Newport NV-Series Thrust Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor delivers impressive performance for serious river anglers who need reliability without breaking the bank. With 36 pounds of thrust and a weight of just 18.5 pounds, it’s surprisingly powerful yet manageable.
I appreciate its 8-speed system (5 forward, 3 reverse) that lets me switch between slow trolling and faster cruising up to 3mph. The 30-inch shaft and adjustable mount give me versatility in different water conditions.
Battery life is solid—most users report 2-3 hours of mixed-speed operation. Though the battery indicator isn’t perfect, the motor’s durability is excellent with quality materials that stand up to both fresh and saltwater conditions.
Best For: Recreational anglers and small to medium boat owners seeking a reliable, lightweight saltwater trolling motor with good thrust-to-weight ratio for day trips on rivers and lakes.
Pros:
- Impressive 36lb thrust in a lightweight 18.5lb package with 8 speed settings (5 forward, 3 reverse) for versatile operation
- Durable construction with saltwater-resistant materials (stainless steel, magnesium, zinc hardware) and a 2-year warranty
- Easy installation with adjustable transom mount and 30-inch shaft that works well in various water conditions
Cons:
- Battery indicator is reported to be inaccurate, making it difficult to reliably monitor power levels
- First gear is notably aggressive at approximately 2.5mph, which may be too fast for some trolling applications
- Handle vibration is noticeable at higher speeds, potentially affecting comfort during extended use
Watersnake T18 ASP Electric Saltwater Trolling Motor (18-Pound Thrust)
- PORTABLE - Watersnake Saltwater Electric Outboard Motor is the ultimate in lightweight portability, weighing only 4.85lbs (2.2kg). Watersnake’s simple design keeps the weight down while delivering quality and performance.
- COMPATIBLE - It is the ideal trolling motor to use on kayaks, canoes, small dinghies, and inflatable boats. Please note: Battery not included.
- DESIGN – 24” shaft, adjustable mount fitting that makes for easy attachment, and anti-impact clip system. This easy to steer motor uses a hand tiller with an extendable handle, high and low speed control, forward and reverse switch and two blade weedless propeller design.
- STYLE - Electric motor with 18lbs thrust, Transom Mount included.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Necessity is the mother of invention. Created by anglers to be used by anglers. If you’re not satisfied with your Watersnake Electric Motor, contact your distributor to be taken care of.
Lightweight yet powerful, the Watersnake T18 ASP offers an ideal solution for anglers with kayaks, canoes, and small inflatables who need reliable propulsion without excess weight. At just 4.85 pounds with 18 pounds of thrust, it’s perfect for river fishing scenarios.
I’ve found this 12V saltwater motor‘s two-speed control and reversibility particularly useful when positioning in currents. The 24-inch shaft and adjustable mount accommodate various watercraft, while the weedless propeller handles vegetation effectively. Users report excellent battery efficiency—a 35Ah battery provides roughly 6 hours of intermittent use. The anti-impact clip system adds protection when encountering underwater obstacles.
Best For: Anglers with kayaks, canoes, or small inflatable boats seeking a lightweight, portable electric propulsion solution for saltwater environments.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight at just 4.85 pounds, making it easy to transport and install
- Versatile performance with high/low speed settings, forward/reverse capability, and weedless propeller design
- Good battery efficiency with a 35Ah battery providing approximately 6 hours of intermittent use
Cons:
- Limited power (18 pounds of thrust) may be insufficient for larger watercraft or strong currents
- Some users report issues with the nylon screws and transom bracket durability
- May produce occasional noise during operation with propeller “wallowing” noted by some customers
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Trolling Motor for River Fishing
When selecting a trolling motor for river fishing, I’ll help you navigate key factors including thrust power requirements for handling current, battery life considerations for extended trips, and appropriate shaft length for your boat’s dimensions. You’ll need to evaluate mounting options—bow, transom, or engine—to determine what works best for your vessel and fishing style. I’ve found that control systems featuring GPS, spot-lock, or remote capabilities can dramatically improve your fishing experience on rivers with varying conditions.
Thrust Power Requirements
How much power do you need to effectively navigate river currents? I recommend at least 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of your fully loaded boat. For most river fishing situations, you’ll need between 30-70 pounds of thrust, depending on your boat size and current strength.
In stronger currents, aim for at least 50 pounds of thrust to maintain control and maneuverability. Wide or heavy boats typically require 40-60 pounds to handle normal river flows without straining your motor. Remember that wind conditions can greatly increase your power needs.
I’ve seen firsthand how insufficient thrust (under 30 pounds for larger boats) dramatically reduces efficiency—your speed drops noticeably in currents, which can seriously impact your fishing success.
Battery Life Considerations
Now that we’ve established the power needed to battle river currents, let’s talk about what keeps that power flowing—your battery setup. Deep cycle batteries are essential for trolling motors, offering reliability through multiple discharge cycles.
Battery capacity directly impacts your time on the water. A 50Ah battery typically provides 2-3 hours of power, while a 75Ah battery can extend to 6 hours with intermittent use. Remember that higher speeds drain power faster—running at maximum can reduce runtime to just 1.5 hours compared to the efficiency of lower settings.
Don’t underestimate environmental factors either. Wind and current force your motor to work harder, potentially depleting a battery to 65% charge in just two hours. I always match my battery capacity to both my motor’s amp draw and my fishing style.
Shaft Length Selection
Selecting the right shaft length for your trolling motor might be the most overlooked yet critical decision for river anglers. I’ve seen many fishermen struggle when their propellers break the surface during waves, drastically reducing efficiency.
For transom-mounted setups, I recommend at least a 30-inch shaft to keep your motor submerged in average river conditions. If you fish waters with fluctuating levels, consider going longer—around 54 inches—to prevent the motor from lifting during maneuvers in deeper sections.
Your boat’s configuration matters too. The mounting height affects which length will provide ideal thrust without excessive drag. While 24-inch shafts might work for smaller craft in calm, shallow rivers, they’ll likely underperform in choppier conditions. Match your shaft length to your typical fishing environment for better control and maneuverability.
Mounting Type Options
The right shaft length guarantees ideal performance, but your trolling motor’s mounting position dramatically impacts river fishing success. I’ve found two primary options worth considering for rivers.
Bow mounts offer superior maneuverability by pulling your boat through currents rather than pushing it. This provides better tracking and stability when traversing swift water. However, they require sturdier boat construction to support their weight.
Transom mounts, attached to the rear, offer easier installation and work well on smaller vessels like kayaks. They’re lighter and more adaptable for frequent repositioning, though they may cause some fishtailing in strong currents.
Look for adjustable mounting features with tilt mechanisms, which I’ve found invaluable when encountering varying river depths. These allow quick adaptations to changing conditions without sacrificing control or efficiency.
Control System Features
Control system features can make or break your river fishing experience, especially when battling unpredictable currents. I’ve found that variable speed controls are essential, offering multiple forward and reverse settings to precisely adapt to changing river conditions.
Look for models with cruise control capabilities that maintain consistent speeds against wind and water flow. This feature saves significant energy when positioning in strong currents.
Remote control functionality is a game-changer, allowing me to operate from up to 164 feet away without touching the motor. When traversing tight river spots, 360-degree steering provides the full directional control I need to maneuver effectively.
Don’t overlook forward/reverse switches paired with extendable handles. These seemingly simple features dramatically improve accessibility and control when I’m adjusting to river dynamics on the fly.
Conclusion
I’ve tested dozens of motors, but these three shine like beacons on turbulent waters. Whether you need the Haswing’s powerful 55-pound thrust, Newport’s versatile performance, or Watersnake’s portable simplicity, your river fishing success depends on matching the motor to your boat size and conditions. Consider current strength, battery life, and steering control—then cast off with confidence knowing you’ve equipped yourself with the best possible advantage.