Updated Catawba River info 3-4-11

[walt]

The new Toll Free # 800-829-5253, it replaces 828-584-1451 You have to punch 1-1-2-1 on your phone to receive the Bridgewater Flow/Release times.
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Scott has put together the latest info/news for me to pass along to everyone here.... Thanks Scott.

Catawba River News
Posted on March 4, 2011 by Scott Cunningham

We’ve had so many folks asking us about the Catawba tailrace we thought it would be a good idea to post what we have heard from reliable sources.
- The Powerhouse construction is still scheduled to complete by September.
- Duke Power has settled on a minimum flow, we’re not sure about the actual number but have heard around 170 cfs (right now min flow is around 25) This will be after the dam is completed, no telling how low it will be during the construction.
- NCWRC is holding the Spring stocking of brown trout in the Special Reg Section until Fall. Should allow the fish to be bigger and stronger when stocked and they estimate them to be in the 14-16″ range at stocking.
- Several access points are being considered and most of the tree farm land below the dam has been leased by the State for public use.
- New USGS Gauge installed just downstream of the dam with new alarm system to warn fishermen when power generation is about to start. (see link below)

So overall things are looking good and progress is being made. Still some issues to iron out but for the most part things are on a good track. Do keep in mind…. this would have never been possible without the hard work of several people and most of all Squeak Smith.

For your info here’s some links that we thought might be helpful to many of our readers.
USGS Gauge at Bridgewater Hydro Station: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?site_no=02138520
Duke Power’s Downstream Flow Arrival: http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/downstream-flow-releases.asp
Duke Power’s Generation Schedule for Bridgewater: http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/scheduled-flow-releases.asp
Duke Power Phone Number 800-829-5253 Press 1, then 1, then 2 and finally 1

Here’s what we all want to see more of….

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[TROUTMASTER3000]

Is the entire Catawba river controlled under the release of the flows or just parts of the river??

[walt]

Is the entire Catawba river controlled under the release of the flows or just parts of the river??

all water below lake james is controlled by dams and release schedules.

--walt

[TROUTMASTER3000]

Thanks, Walt.  I was thinkin of goin fishin there with a few of my friends this weekend... It is definantly wadeable right???
Thanks

[Woolly Bugger]

Thanks, Walt.  I was thinkin of goin fishin there with a few of my friends this weekend... It is definantly wadeable right???
Thanks

DANGER, WARNING, it is only wadeable if they ARE not generating!

There was an article in NC Wildlife last year about a father and son who narrowly escapes the rising waters.

DANGER, WARNING!

[TROUTMASTER3000]

Thanks WB.  Whats interesting is that I called the number and they said it was subject to changes without notice.  That kinda scared me.  What the hell is the point of a flow release if it is "subject to changes WITHOUT NOTICE".  Its strange... Any comments?

[Woolly Bugger]

Thanks WB.  Whats interesting is that I called the number and they said it was subject to changes without notice.  That kinda scared me.  What the hell is the point of a flow release if it is "subject to changes WITHOUT NOTICE".  Its strange... Any comments?

it's a major disclaimer! ALL dams that I know of have the same message! You never know, usually they stick to the schedule but not always....

[Mstash]

http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/scheduled-flow-releases.asp?sec=subnav

Try this link

[TROUTMASTER3000]

Yea i know WB.  Its wierd.  I dont think its even worth the trouble.  It would take away from the relaxation to have to continue looking over my shoulder constantly... Thanks for the link tho man.

[Mstash]

Our River made the NC Sportsman Mag. Along with the New River.
Great info

Mstash

[walt]

bump..... latest update above....

[Woolly Bugger]

thanks for the update...

one you asswipes need to show me around that river... soon!

jis sayin'

[Peddler]

http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/scheduled-flow-releases.asp?sec=subnav

Try this link

Yo Ricky... you still gottem toon for this sorta stuff?

Thanks Walt and Scott. Things are looking up.

[snagaluffaguss]

Are they going to put triploid or diploid browns in there and will there be anywhere in the main or side channels or feeder creeks for reproduction or is it going to be maintained strictly by stocking?

[Get Bent]

Are they going to put triploid or diploid browns in there and will there be anywhere in the main or side channels or feeder creeks for reproduction or is it going to be maintained strictly by stocking?

I think the ultimate goal is for the browns to reproduce, and there are plenty of shoals for them to spawn on. Only time will tell once the minimum flow is instated.