Reading USGS river flow charts

Well, ready to get drifting in some rivers now but need some help figuring out the charts on riverflow. What is a reasonable flow? Is there some kind of rating that would explain whether it is fishable or not? I've got a feeling that it's not that simple so would appreciate any advice from the river experts.

Thanks.
Z

this site is pretty...well, datariffic !! you probably already got it Z, but for those that don't.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/nwis

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/current/?type=flow

As far as finding out what flow is good where, not much help there. I'm sure there is not one magic number for a flow rate because each river is so different.

Usually on a search for specific river fishing info i see a flow rate mentioned here or there.

The safe flows are different from river to river.  Look up on whitewater guides/sites to see at what flows a river is class 2 or below.

-Allen

Sites like Ifish.net will usually hold the information if you know what to look for.  Some people talk about ideal flows and others talk about ideal levels.

These ideal river flows and levels are things that would be good to capture in the NWKA wiki.

Z, you're right to think that it's not that simple. Not only is every river different, so is every fisher. Experience will give you the info you're looking for.

The best suggestion I can make is to start a journal and note the flows on the days you go out, and whether you liked it.

Just what I figured guys. Will get out on the rivers soon. Thanks for the info.

Z