Fill with water and stones I am trying to build a meadow scene (based on Andrew Price's tuts) and I want to fill the riverbed with sticks and stones and in the end with water. 

Referrence> 

But I want to see through the water surface. So whats the best way to achieve that? With multiple particle systems or with a plane that I give a water effect? Any Thoughts?

Thnx
My choice would be.


For the river, Mesh Plane with animated water material.
Particle system as a tool to randomly distribute the stones and branches.