We developed, calibrated, and verified a compound Poisson process model of pool-to-pool spacing and size using an exponential distribution for spacing and gamma distributions for length and width on 12 rangeland streams in Nevada. Neither distribution parameter varied with simple stream morphologic or vegetation characteristics. We verified the model by comparing the first three moments and distributions of stream simulations with observed streams using two transect-based sampling schemes. Very small errors stemmed from an inability to reproduce autocorrelation of width at short distances, pool cyclicity, and additional density at the tails. We conclude that the presented model is accurate for small, Nevada, rangeland streams and for pools located randomly on small streams with forced pool-riffle or step-pool sequences and regularly on larger, pool-riffle systems. Simulated streams may be used for testing stream survey procedures and hypotheses regarding pool habitat, spacing, and length.¿ 1997 American Geophysical Union