When you fish river systems how do you get back to where you launched? Do you just paddle against the current? I am thinking about getting a kayak to fish some local small rivers and was wondering how that works

Paddle back.

I tend to paddle upstream from where I launch then fish my way back.

I tend to paddle upstream from where I launch then fish my way back.

Second that.  You gotta work harder upstream to start, then 8 hours later, relax and drift back.  Shoot, if it's fast enough, do a little trolling with no effort.

Ever see Deliverance?  I'd paddle upstream and fish back..... just like everyone said.  All I have are lakes & ponds near me.  Even the salt water behind my house is in a protected bay.

I tend to paddle upstream from where I launch then fish my way back.

X2

I will go up stream first if that's my only option. If I can locate a put in further up stream that's the best. I go with a friend and take two cars. Park one at the take out and ride together to the launch.

I do a lot of what we call "single access", which means you paddle back to your launch site. However, where I am we have the C/O canal toe-path running alongside of the Potomac River so sometimes I use my kayak cart to wheel 2, 3 or 4 miles upriver for a self shuttle.

Shuttle usually, or we have outfitters that will drive you to the put in and pick you up when you are done.

 

I have put in and paddled up and fished back before though, and paddling up and back is the way to go.  You don't want to paddle down and then back up because you might get too tired or it might get too late and you don't want to have to paddle back up in the dark.

I prefer the term Yaker.  But to answer the question you could attach a trolling motor or do what I do, only fish lakes. 

I would recommend doing a google search for Jeff Little and river paddling skills - he has a good example of using the river as your energy to propel you upstream.  In its simplest form, its generally pointing your bow at approximately a 30-40 degree angle and paddling on the downstream side across the current.  It is more efficient and can help you save energy.  Once you reach an eddy or slower moving current, you can angle your bow the opposite way and repeat.

 

This might help you some also: specifically the 3:23 mark......

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N3bstswReM

Since my wife and I fish together we will take 2 vehicles and run shuttles a lot of times. I like one way floats. Sometimes we'll invite someone to fish with us. 

I just suck it up. I need the exercise anyway..... that's part of the reason I got a kayak to begin with.