Missouri River 340 and 'big river' kayaking... Any experience here?

Okay - so since I'm still pretty much a rookie and mostly a fisherman (not racer) - I'm intrigued by this, but I don't believe I have it in me to try an kayaking endurance race like this. (plus neither of my rigs are the right kind for speed) - but it's pretty cool. I followed the race results last year and am impressed that 2/3 of the boaters finished it in the time required. Amazing. Missouri American Water MR340 « RiverMiles (if you didn't know - it's a 340 mile race from KC, MO to St Charles MO in 88 hours. Usually sometime in July.

However, with three 'big rivers' all close by, (The MO, the Miss, and the IL rivers) I would like to do more big river kayaking/fishing, but am still pretty intimidated by the power boats, barges, the speed and power of the current - plus the flying carp!!

Anybody on here around STL Or one of these big rivers have any advice or experience? You know, like "stay off the big rivers!" There's some backwater areas I'd like to hit, but pretty sure I'd have to access either upstream or downstream from the main rivers. Not sure I could handle a lot of 'upstream' with a 2-3 mph current to overcome.

Thoughts?
All my kayak/canoe experience is lakes in Illinois or the streams in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (mostly shallow, slightly challenging and gorgeous scenery)

You might check in with the folks at Alpine Shop. They could give you guidance there and might even have a class on big river paddling. Definitely a few more elements to contend with than playing on a small lake!

Two years ago, the was a Flotilla of kayaks that did organized trip a stretch of Illinois River ending the day at Grafton, Il. My wife and I joined the float, first time on river that size, both with 14' yaks and still felt undersized! That river has a great "pump" of the surf (2-4 ft) caused by the local boat and barge traffic. Enough so, that you could loose sight of your neighboring kayak if both hitting the low point at same time!
It was an adventure.... can say I did it... not sure worth repeating. If I was to do anything similar, I would work upriver on the Missouri side, and enjoy the "behind the islands" calm waters, maybe fish the day on down the river. Some local small boat traffic but typically are respectful to share the water, by slowing down. The rules of the waters in such areas is stay toward the sides and assume that they may not see you at all.
And yes... Flying carp are no fun on a yak! Hit in the head twice in the above noted outing. numerous others flew over the front deck. A bit nerving.
Alpine Shop in St. Louis, is for sure the people "in the know" of such events. Great people to buy from as well. Phone number (314) 962-7715.
New store, 1855 W Hwy 50, in O'Fallon, IL 62269 Ph# Phone number (618) 726-6110.