Based on data from the literature on along-stream movements of adult stages of Odonata, comparative preference for upstream or downstream movement is evaluated. The great majority of publications reported upstream movement. Upstream migration was reported particularly in species of Calopterygidae and Gomphidae. Upstream movements are potentially functional: they compensate for downstream larval drift. The mechanism behind the nett directed movements, however, is unknown and controversial. Movements in general may be largely undirected, but, in the presence of downstream drift by larvae an innate tendency either to move upstream or to stay at upstream locations is expected.