Ideal discharge for Wolf Creek Dam fishing

[kvonn]

Hi,
Can anyone give me a rough estimate of ideal discharge rate for bank/wade fishing below Wolf Creek Dam?
Mainly after trout,either fish recreation area at tailwater or Helms Landing.
It looks like discharge has been varying between 3,000 to 11,000 Cubic Feet per Second.
I haven't made the 2 1/2 hour drive down there in a long time and I'm about ready to try it.
Thanks,
Kurt

[stripernut1]

i just saw this post so sorry for the late reply, hope its not too late
the "ideal" flow for wade fishing is zero discharge, it is very dangerous to try to wade this river when there is generation and outflow.
as far as bank fishing, ive seen fish caught during every imaginable discharge, bring plenty of sinkers, hooks and a spare spool of line, you will be hung up....a lot

[kvonn]

i just saw this post so sorry for the late reply, hope its not too late
the "ideal" flow for wade fishing is zero discharge, it is very dangerous to try to wade this river when there is generation and outflow.
as far as bank fishing, ive seen fish caught during every imaginable discharge, bring plenty of sinkers, hooks and a spare spool of line, you will be hung up....a lot

Thanks Stripernut,
I prefer bank fishing;my knees are too old for serious wade fishing.
If I end up going,I'll post a report.
Kurt

[zimmy]

What Stripernut said.
Ideal conditions are "0" discharge if no boat. You can catch fish no matter what but with less flow it's better with a pair of hip waders or simply from the bank because you can fish the channel and your bait will stay in place much better. The TVA app for your phone (or go online) will tell you what the next days flow schedule will be.
Best of luck.

[rooster]

If you are fishing up close to the dam, I would wear hip boots because the waves from the sluice gates will soak you and it is cold. Try the pocket below the snack bar or at the bottom of the steps on the right below the bathrooms. Orange Power Bait seems to work best right now