Minimum flow?

[Bobby M.]

I am not a trout fishermen nor do I fish below any of the dams, so this idea of a minimum flow is somewhat foreign to me. If I understand it correctly, they want to up the minumum flow from below the dams. This means more water leaving lakes, how is this going to affect area lake levels. I would think it could cause trouble in times of drought, like now, what would the lake levels be down to if they were forced to let out more water, couldn't this be harmful to native fish while trying to protect a nonnative fish. I would appreciate it if those of you who are more informed could let me know whats going on.

thanks,

Bobby

[Phil Lilley]

The White River below Bull Shoals and the Norfork River below Lake Norfork will get more minimum flow starting in August. To allow the extra flow, the Corp will readjust the way they manage the lakes above, adding I think 4-6 feet of water to the management pool. How this affects the levels is a good question. In times of drought like we are in now, it probably would mean the level would be lower by a bit but not as much as you'd think. Just like now, thru this winter because the lake levels are so low, they just aren't running water when they could/should be for power. It's a water management decision. The extra water that will be released will have to be added into the equation of managing the resourse.

I honestly don't think it will alter levels to the point of being noticed. BUT if the lakes get high or if the go to low levels again, there will be those who will blame it on minimum flow- mark my words.

Missouri and minimum flow- they are going to wait and see how it works in Arkansas. Give it 4-6 years.

[Bobby M.]

I think it is a good idea to let arkansas try it out firs. how many feet a year will be pulled out of the lakes due to this increase, I am sure that someone has figured out the amount. I would hope they wouldn't jeopardize a bunch of native fish to try and help a nonnative fish.

[UAK squirrelpie]

be careful what you call a native fish. even though largemouth bass are native to missouri, they were no where near as distributed as they are today. and these lakes are unnatural habitats, i think this whole flow issue is just the consequence of messing with nature. personally i think dams are a bad idea, look at taum sauk. thank god they didn't get the meramec.

[Phil Lilley]

Fishing-wise... would be nice to have the smallmouth back on the old White River.

Flood-wise... would not be nice to see our countryside flooded every few year.

The dams do serve a valuable service. It has its pro and cons.