Access - falls into 2 categories . First the literal access issue, (e.g., how do you drop into a pool?) and 2nd the oft written about land access issue of public vs private water. The 2nd topic receives coverage by better informed writers, with details in much finer publications than this. So... for now i will limit my comments to the actual entry into the water.
If you "wade fish" public water you find a few typical entries - first the basic side of a bridge typically with decent parking for 1 to several cars, and a gentle grade to the water. If you are below the bridge the pool may fan out with a decent shallow before dropping off into the abyss. Above the bridge is often fast water being funneled into the narrower deeper channel. Of the 2 below the bridge is better for early season or after a rain or during the freshet. In the summer or in times of low water the shade below the bridge make fishing from above a fine choice.
Next you have the side of the river, generally mid river and can range from the head to the tail or from riffs to runs. Some are gravel and some mud sucking swamps. one is famous for its multi hundred yard pools w/ 1 spot the entire length of the river for many miles (yet everyone stacks up at the head or tail (shoulder to shoulder) anyway.
A regrettably common entry is the gentile grad to the savage drop off which can range from just over 4 ' to 25 - 50' & while you can almost always make it down (although sometimes only with pants full of water, it is getting back up, when you are crushed from a 1/2 day or more of good sport which is the real challenge of the day.
The worst is the sand wash or gravel grade, both which can go 45 degrees. Often they occur on the outside bend of a river prone to washouts & drought ending in a deep summer slog occasionally in summer where a downed limb creates a mat of foam which i find my bliss swinging a swimming fly (or a hopper) around the apex.
Then there is always the hop off the grass into black water and hope it is less deep than the top of your waders (ok in summer but otherwise it is really cold water).
On private water you can lawn fish (ok but really?) or... you can go out at the optimal hour minuted from the door and to the chocolate. Leave the vest & trappings at home and still have them close by. You can know a piece of water in all seasons nice word picture but again a removed from the hunt. Nightfishing is never better (or at least less frightening) then when you can see the deck lights.
I have never seen steps or a solid pole with cross bars which would allow a latter in & out for us above 40. I would like to until it is there and then there are 5 more guys than last time.
I love campsites by rivers. In the NE they tend to be by freestone rivers and generally allow easy access although you may want a light to get out at the end of the day.
Given a choice i like the water a bit low for new entries points and as i gracefully age really like the canoe docks and an early morning paddle in or out.
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