The property owners may if fact have deeds that claim ownership of the stream bed but based on the legal findings of the State's Attorney General we received 4-5 years ago the river meets navigability status (in essence, if it'll float a boat, it's navigable) which provides public access of the stream bed to the high water mark. That is generally where a noticeable change in plant life occurs. You cannot access the stream bed through private property without permission and if someone gets hostile it's best to walk away unless you want to set a precedent. If you do, leave the immediate area and call the Sheriff. There are very few waterways in this state that do not meet navigability requirements and many land owners will try and bully and threaten you into thinking they are right. They are not and you have the right to be there, just be smart about it.