Frankstown Branch - Productive Wading Levels

[Worth723]

Looking for some insight on the behavior of the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata during spring flows.

She’s at 543cfs/4.16ft and on the drop from the last peak level of 1090cfs/5.3ft. I’m curious about water clarity in this case, to those more familiar with the river. With that gradual drop, would it be safe to assume a good amount of clarity has returned? I feel in my experience, the Frank gets much muddier than say the Little J. The highest I’ve ever waded the Frank was around 400cfs, the wading was fine but the clarity was very murky after a flash heavy rain.

I’m expecting it will be in the 475cfs range by the time I get to her this week.

Anyone seen what kind of shape she’s in the clarity department?

Thanks!

 

[DaveKile]

@Worth723 I haven't been there, but looking at the USGS stream gauge the stream has not gotten a significant bump in rain for several days. It always varies, but after five days most of the time a streams turbidity should be greatly improved.

Not sure how long you have been fly fishing, bit there are plenty of options to fish if the water is a little discolored. Plenty of people like some level of discoloration. It may change your approach a little. I think of Wooly Buggers right away.

Also some backup streams are always part of my plans before traveling. I like to add some local stocked streams and Class A's to my list. This gives me some options if I hit a problem when I get to my primary water. I'll be spending a lot of time in central PA this May. I have a list of about 15 secondary streams that I have mapped out if my primary streams don't work out.

 

[jifigz]

Looking for some insight on the behavior of the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata during spring flows.

She’s at 543cfs/4.16ft and on the drop from the last peak level of 1090cfs/5.3ft. I’m curious about water clarity in this case, to those more familiar with the river. With that gradual drop, would it be safe to assume a good amount of clarity has returned? I feel in my experience, the Frank gets much muddier than say the Little J. The highest I’ve ever waded the Frank was around 400cfs, the wading was fine but the clarity was very murky after a flash heavy rain.

I’m expecting it will be in the 475cfs range by the time I get to her this week.

Anyone seen what kind of shape she’s in the clarity department?

Thanks!

I'll be driving over the Frankie tomorrow. I can take a peek at her and report back.

 

[DGC]

I crossed over the Alexandria bridge yesterday afternoon on the way to LJ. Color looked good, maybe a slight stain. There is resurfacing work on that short stretch of rt 305 between US 22 and Alexandria. Suggest alternate route if possible.

 

[nymphingmaniac]

close enough to the LJ so a back up is available.
Wading the Frankie is perhaps the most challenging I have experienced, 500 is marginal for the places I like to fish. But like every river, when water is high a a location is in accessible, there are places that now open up.

 

[jifigz]

Frankie looked good. Good flow. Mostly clear.