Again looking at the USGS flow rate data for the Cheoah River at Bearpen Gap (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/0351706800/#parameterCode=00060&period=P365D&showMedian=false), it looks like the power company "turned off" the ambient discharge rate from Santeetlah Dam at the end of May last year and the summer river levels are quite low.
There are only two weekends on the schedule between now and the end of May that are not planned for high release "flood events". I'm sure that I can fish with my tenkara or do overhead fly fishing at the super low summer levels, but I am interested in finding new rivers to spey cast and swing wet flies.
It looks like I will need to get back up there this coming weekend and the first weekend in May to explore the swinging opportunities.
#cheoahriver #fishing #flyfishing #hiking #nature #outdoors #tenkara #skagit #spey
Water is discharged from Santeetlah Lake directly into the Little Tennessee River for power generation. I guess this water goes in a tunnel through the mountain. Water release from Santeetlah Dam into the Cheoah River is maintained for recreation, aquatic habitat, and to maintain the reservoir level. Several times a year, the dam simulates "flood events" to stimulate the aquatic habitat and to stimulate the kayakers. These releases are 1000 CFS and way too high to do fishing.
At the moment, the ambient disrcharge rate appears to be maintained at around 100 CFS, and the USGS monitoring site at Bearpen Gap reports 200ish CFS. The difference should be made up by tributary ambient flow.
I am excited about fishing on the Cheoah River this year. Despite multiple trips up to Nantahala National Forest and fishing on nearby creeks and rivers, I have not spent any time on the Cheoah River.
There is just a short stretch of un-impounded riverbed between Santeetlah Dam and Lake Calderwood, but that is a lot of river to explore on foot.
Eastern Long-Whiskered Billy