For smaller rivers like the Dupe branches or pooling-type areas on the Fox and even parts of the K3 river, upstream is possible.
But, for example, for the best-fishing parts of the Kankakee River e.g. from Davis Creek to Warner Bridge, upstream paddling is impossible and still fish.
Solutions
The standard technique for kayaks is drag chains. See HERE for some examples. This is what I use.
However, I don't like the idea of the drag and the potential for spooking fish, so I am going to try something we do out on lake Michigan - use a sea anchor. You can get them for cheap HERE, but I guess it remains to be seen if the shallow nature of the Kankakee will present a challenge with snagging the drogue.
