I don't know much about pumps, but there are several new solar water pumps on the market, one that I've seen in action, and it seems to work well. I've considered using it to pump from my stream too, when the time comes for me to fence near that area.

This is one of the less expensive units that I've seen, although I don't know if others are more powerful.

Here is a link that might be useful: solar pump

A lot of it depends on the volume of water you want to pump
and at what pressure. If just filling a pond is the goal
then the pressure is a mute point.

The other variable is the power available from the stream.
This is based on head and flow calculations.

I have almost exactly the same situation you do.
The Sequatchie River forms the eastern border of our property.
I want to pump water from the river up to the house,
about a 20 feet elevatiion. Use the water for irrigation
and to fill a small swimming pool.

Pooh Bear

If your creek is deep enough and constantly flowing, the sling pump is probably your best bet: proven(since the time of Archimedes!), low-tech, effective, and relatively inexpensive.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rife sling pump

There is a variety of pump called a ram pump, or water-ram pump. While I don't now remember the exact principles nor the plans, it uses the force of the water flow itself to supply the power for moving water from one place to another. While it might not be able to be used in this situation, if you google for plans and details, I am sure you will find some. It would have the advantage of cost, since you would only need to buy/find the parts - it is 'self-powered', after all. The sling pump might be a variation on this...., already set up.

I recently posted the same question on another forum before I found this thread. I've found very little about using a waterwheel to power a low rpm water pump, but here is what I've found:
http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/vb/showthread.php?t=21122

Any progress?

Here is a link that might be useful: Post on another forum