That direction is upstream, or into the current. Fish that would face downstream would all eventually end up all the way downstream. As in the ocean. F ish face upstream because that is where their food comes from. Think of it as being in a dining room, and the waitress bringing you a plate of food but the food is hanging in the air above the plate.
T hat is what the fish have, a moving dinner plate.
The food comes to them floating on the surface of the water and they have to make the decision to take that food in a split second. Wait too long and it has floated past them. You probably won't get the fish to take your fly. A Comprehensive Guide for Beginner and Intermediate Fly Anglers. Available in bookstores or directly from Clive .