It looks like we have a workable solution in place with the US Army Corps of Engineers. The flood gates are closed and flow through the usual release point has been doubled to 202cfs.
I guided the river yesterday. It fished well. Most areas are wadeable, I wouldn't try crossing Spillway Creek though. Water is very clear. Lots of changes to many of the best fishing spots.
Be aware that there will be flood gate releases over the next 45 days if the lake begins to get too high above normal pool. However, despite the continued statements by the USACE that they followed proper procedure when they opened the gates on Monday, March 16 a new procedure has been implemented before any future flood gate openings. A new MUCH LOUDER warning horn has been installed and time will be given for anglers to clear the area and Park Rangers to walk the entire stream.
Here is the press release from USACE: http://www.swt.usace.army.mil/Media/NewsReleases/tabid/4954/Article/581089/broken-bow-powerhouse-offline-upstream-flood-gates-to-be-temporarily-used-for-w.aspx
I was also very happy to learn that the Congressman, for Southeast Oklahoma, Rep. Markwayne Mullin has a meeting with the top officials at USACE on Monday morning and he has sworn and signed statements in his possession from my wife, a State Park Ranger and 6 other individuals stating that no warning was given before the gates were opened on Monday, March 16.
I guided the river yesterday. It fished well. Most areas are wadeable, I wouldn't try crossing Spillway Creek though. Water is very clear. Lots of changes to many of the best fishing spots.
Be aware that there will be flood gate releases over the next 45 days if the lake begins to get too high above normal pool. However, despite the continued statements by the USACE that they followed proper procedure when they opened the gates on Monday, March 16 a new procedure has been implemented before any future flood gate openings. A new MUCH LOUDER warning horn has been installed and time will be given for anglers to clear the area and Park Rangers to walk the entire stream.
Here is the press release from USACE: http://www.swt.usace.army.mil/Media/NewsReleases/tabid/4954/Article/581089/broken-bow-powerhouse-offline-upstream-flood-gates-to-be-temporarily-used-for-w.aspx
I was also very happy to learn that the Congressman, for Southeast Oklahoma, Rep. Markwayne Mullin has a meeting with the top officials at USACE on Monday morning and he has sworn and signed statements in his possession from my wife, a State Park Ranger and 6 other individuals stating that no warning was given before the gates were opened on Monday, March 16.