Help with riverbank

I apologize for putting this in this category as i could not figure out which category if any this might be more suited for.
We live on some property with about 2000' of riverbank. We would like to take advantage of this for fishing and recreation but the bank is very muddy and mostly overgrown with sticker bushes and other types of bushes and the trees seem to be dead or dying.
We were thinking about clearing an area but not sure how to make it so the bank isnt soooo muddy. We need something that can be flooded for short times as this river does flood from time to time. Also we would be walking on it while fishing playing etc.

We would appreciate any tips or advice,

Thank you

I hand cut a small canal on my riverbank to get access. (used lopers, rake, axe and post hole digger) I layed down pallets on the side and launch a canoe to fish and get on the river.

This worked for me and kept the river edge in a natural state for wildlife.

Many muddy rivers were much less muddy historically. Erosion from poor agricultural practices and animal husbandry, have muddied up many streams that once had clean gravel banks.

Check with the various governing bodies who control what is allowed on this river. There are bound to be many regulations. If there are any native fish which prefer to nest in gravel or sand, you might be allowed to create a little beach that would be considered habitat improvement.

So first off - what Dale said. I am working on a similar project now, but It is a stream I am very familiar with - there was actually an whole grades worth of education taking place around it (slightly downstream from where I'm working now - so I best not screw up) Can you put pictures up? I hesitate to say anything about such a sensitive area without at least getting a visual on your situation.