Thanks for all the replies. As eugene1 mentioned, maybe I'm using the term "backtrolling" incorrectly. I'm referring to trolling downstream (at about 1/2 the speed of the river current) with the bow pointed up river. Typically backbouncing roe or plugs.

I have a 15hp kicker, but would like to use that only for the really fast currents, and switch to the electric for the majority of the "backtrolling" we do in slow to mid-speed current.