If you like to side drift but your anchor makes a lot of noise banging on the rocks as you move downstream here's an inexpensive way to make your own anchor. You'll need 35-40 pounds of lead from a tire store. (Les Schwaab sells it for 20 cents a pound in Aberdeen.) You'll also need a large coffee can, 6" eye bolt that is threaded all the way to the eye with 4 washers and 3 nuts, and a piece of car tire about 12 inches across the top (Tread). You can cut the tire with a skill saw using a metal cutting blade to get through the steel belts.

Prepare the coffee can by drilling a hole in the side about 3 1/2 inches up from the bottom. The hole needs
to be the same size as the bolt so it will thread in. Before you thread the bolt into the can, place a washer on
the bolt. Drill a hole in the middle of the tread on the piece of tire. Slide the piece of tire on. Thread a nut
then washer all the way to the tire. Now put the bolt through the can. After the bolt is through the can put
on washer and nut. Tighten it up next to the can. Then place last washer then nut on the end of the bolt. It
should be located about the middle of the can on the inside. The can will be inside the tire. Place the can & tire on a stable block of wood that is about the same size as the can. The end of the tire will hang over the wood.

Melt the lead. I use a propane "king Cooker" and a heavy-duty pot. Don't use the pot for cooking afterwards, lead is a health hazard! I use a respirator and do it outdoors. Skim off the pieces of rubber and steel. Using thick pot holders, pour the lead into the can carefully. The lead will fill the can up about 2/3's full. Hammer down the empty part of the can after it cools.

I like to clamp on 3 links of stainless steel chain and tie the rope to the end of the chain