vcregular wrote:
Now, where did the 1370' come from you ask? In the FEW Operating Manual there is a stipulation of a 15% seasonal encroachment into the flood storage zone for recreational activities. So that is where we are. However, in drought storage operation, the DRBc can request the Corps go to 1,392' for low flow augmentation. So they do feel comfortable holding the lake above the 15% threshold.
Ah, I see, I think I remember hearing this before. Now, that 15% encroachment is for downstream recreational activity, or in the dam, or both. I recall hearing now that there was a hesitation as well to hold water back because of the FEW dam warm water species opportunities with boat and shore access, and perhaps even flooding spawning grounds.
I remember seeing that dam backed up like a lake all the way to small bridge that crosses bear creek up high on the road that turns right at bear creek lake where the spill dam is. I was younger then and didn't know to look to see what the pool height was at that time, but it looked enormous.
I have seen 25" fish pictures in the fall ABOVE White Haven. It is generally hotter there, than say, below Mud and Hickory, due to canopy and springs, but some of these are 100% wild fish that are making it multiple years. Now, after last years drought/heat wave, I have not been down in the Gorge that much. I can say that the wild browns are still surviving in decent numbers, BUT I have not caught a brown over 20" yet this year.
On average, the Lehigh trout do have trouble cracking 20" , in my opinion, because they go into survival mode more quickly in hot water and start to emaciate for the two hot months.
Perhaps most interesting, to me, at least, are the rainbows that are expert nymphers with micro sized caddis. I have seen them cough up tremendous amounts of caddis when landing them. I have caught them on all manner of flies, but they seem to love to scrape those giant boulders for small caddis.
