Best way to put fish in the boat is w live bait IMO. If you're new to it, sein any small creek for anything in the 2-4" range. Chubs and small suckers work, but shiners are king. Needle circle hook in the size 8 or even 10 range. Tie hook to 12-15" of line, rig below swivel, with bell sinker above it so fish can grab bait w/o feeling weight. Bell sinker should be heavy enough to keep you bumping bottom--but not stuck to it (you will snag constantly) given current. Small bait means you don't need to let them run w it. If you're missing them, they may not be feeding as aggressively . . . then, let them have it for a 5-8 count w/o too much pressure on line.
You can drag/drift or anchor with this method. If you anchor, feel line entire time to avoid a 12"er swallowing it and dying needlessly.
Next best is rubber on jig with stinger hook. Dirtier water, darker colors for contrast. Clearer, can go chartreuse/watermelon/pink/white (in that order IMO). Want weight to be enough to have you on bottom w/o getting hung up. If you're not touching bottom on each cast, you won't catch Eyes.
Graduate level anglers use blade baits . . . Cicadas in varying colors/accents. Know guys who swear by them and don't even chuck meat or jigs any more. I'm not that good, and only use it when the bite is great. Need the right rod/line setup to feel the bite, which is often on the down jig rather than up.
Stiff rod essential regardless. Lighter the line, the better. I use 6lb magnathin (from boat not anchored). If you're anchored or shore fishing, can go up to 10 lb--and will need to.
Hope that helps. Allegheny and French Creek my go To's. Mouths of creeks . . . no matter how small . .. underappreciated. If there is an eddy downstream from the creek going into larger body of water, there will be a few Eyes stacked there.
Good luck!