Plan your approach to the spot where you want to position your boat. Drop your anchor far enough upstream. When you anchor is set, you can let more rope out to get to your perfect spot.
Leave enough room upstream to be able to break your anchor loose if it gets hung up.
These anchors dig in and set fast. Never throw it up over a high bank unless you want to pull a bunch of the bank into the boat with you, or have a monkey that will climb the bank and get it back for you.