When Is It Safe To Fish -

[wanabeflyer]

As many of you have probably noticed, the 24 hour discharge cycle seems to be ending, which brings up the question as to when can one get into the river to fish.

What would be the maximun gauge hieght and discharge to watch for?

Thanks.

P.S. did anyone make it out this past weekend?

[Davo]

As many of you have probably noticed, the 24 hour discharge cycle seems to be ending, which brings up the question as to when can one get into the river to fish.

What would be the maximun gauge hieght and discharge to watch for?

Thanks.

P.S. did anyone make it out this past weekend?

I'm new to the Illinois River as well and asked the same question a few weeks ago. As I understand it, any generation makes it pretty tough fishing, mostly because access is very limited. The water runs fast, rises and falls quickly and can be dangerous with rising water. If you've fished the White in Arkansas, sounds like about the same routine. Wait for no generation, watch the water level and if it starts rising, time to head to the truck.

[Trout Predator]

The only time when its safe or practical to wade fish is at zero generation. Also watch very carefully for rising water when your away from the dam because you will not hear a horn and the water will come up quickly. Its best to stick a stick at the water line and watch for sudden rises. Especially if you've crossed over to the east side. If you get stuck over there its a long walk back and there are no access points over there.

[OKFlyFisher44]

I went down sunday morning, expecting no generation because thats what the projected schedule showed. I arrived at Watts around 8:00 to find the river under moderate generation. I was so mad. Drove an hour and a half....and they're generating! I went and ate breakfast in Gore to kill some time. Drove up to the dam to find them still generating....dang it!

I drove down to the 2nd parking lot below the dam where the big island is. They were flowing around 1800 CFS at that time according to what my wife seen on the USGS website. I said screw it! I put on my waders and got geared up. I walked downstream to the lower shoal below the parking lot and the water was only knee deep so I crossed over to the island. I walked back upstream to the upper end of the island and fished that area. I caught 1 fish and missed a few strikes before I called it quits. It was pretty fishable at those flows but you had to put some lead on to get the fly down. Saw a few other guys catch a fish or two...but it was slow going. The water was very off-color. I wished I coulda stayed longer to fish but had to get back home.

Honestly, I'd just stick to fishing it with zero generation. Less risk and the good water is easier to fish n' find.

Can't wait till they cut this generation off...on a more consistent basis!