I've been fishing out of a canoe for years, but not on a river. I go on small lakes, and I never had a problem. Sure you can't get up and walk around, but I found that if you watch yourself, you won't have a problem. It is kind of a pain fishing with two people, because you're so far apart, but for carrying a boat back to small lakes, it works great. I like it because it's light and easy to carry, compared to a small jon boat, although its not as stable.