Reddit mentions of Eagle Claw Balsa Style Oval Fixed Float with 6-Inch Stem, 2 piece (7/8-inch)

Ah yes it will definitely help. You can still do it well the way you are, but it takes practice. Though it all does I guess.

In that case, if you want to continue on as you are, first thing to do is use less weight. keep using less until you feel you aren't hitting bottom at all, then put a little more back on.

Also use round split shot if you can find it. The kind with the little wings is easier to take off but is slightly more likely to hang up. You can still take off the round ones by pinching the sides with the small pliers you always carry with you. You can always use a regular small needlenose but the ones with the cutters too are even better.

Anyway it's very doable but using a float is definitely the most deadly way to target fish in a stream. Really, read up on floatfishing, most of what you'll find will be about steelhead but you can use it on any trout and any fish in moving water. There are different systems for adjustable floats, the old spring loaded red/white round bobber, to pegs or what I like, which are these, which have little tubes, or (something similar)[https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Claw-Balsa-6-Inch-8-inch/dp/B008MIMTXI/]. Tall skinny floats are more sensitive to bites than round ones.

With that technique you can fish artificial lures like jigs, to any live bait, or whatever you want. You can shorten the float up and add a little lead for the fast water and take a little off and slide the float back for the deep pools. Alrighty then