Are you using a rifle, shotgun, ML or bow? IF you can do it safely, I would walk in the water as much as possible or use a boat when possible to help prevent leaving a scent. I suggest doing this now while wearing a life jacket to learn the river and its dangers with at least two or three experienced adults following you on shore and/or boat in case you were to have problems. I would not go out on a river with a fast current. I also do not trust the ice on rivers.

Deer need water, so there will most likely be deer trails at and near the water. It is likely some deer trails run parallel to the river. See if you can locate funnel points, food sources, bedding areas and also were the deer cross the river. Find some high ground at these points where you can be concealed but still have a good vantage point. Have you thought about setting up some trail cams to help with scouting?