Row, getting fit around river (5)
I believe the answer is:
argue
'row' is the definition.
(row can mean to argue)
'fit around river' is the wordplay.
'fit' becomes 'ague' (ague is a fit of fever).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'river' becomes 'r' (abbreviation for river).
'ague' going around 'r' is 'ARGUE'.
'getting' is the link.
(Other definitions for argue that I've seen before include "Contend with reasoning" , "contradict" , "Wrangle" , "Have a difference of opinion" , "Dispute heatedly" .)