To fish up stream or down is a much debated subject. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Fishing down is less work; it assures a taut line and gives the wader a better view of the stream's bed in rough water. But it scares more fish as you come down to the trout that lie heading up stream and the sediment you stir up goes ahead of you and warns the fish.
Up stream fishing adds to one's chances of hooking a rising fish, providing the line is taut, and not as long casts are required as you approach the fish from behind. But this upstream fishing entails more work. Wading is more difficult against the current and the angler must always be casting or stripping in line. This can be avoided, somewhat, if the casts are made diagonally
