There is now a one stop shop website for most water flows
around the state. If you have a connection this is the place to go.
Safe Waters flow site
* Always be aware that water flows may change at any time.
And rememeber the essential wading rule
“Never over your knees”.
When you take a tumble, and we all do, you’ll be on all fours and can easily get back on your feet and not have to face a swim for your life.
Please be safe and enjoy your time on the water.
On the East Outlet if the water flow is: cfs = cubic feet per second
550 cfs (which is minimum flow by law) – You can wade almost anywhere and cross the river in many places. Almost too low. A real good time to learn the dimensions of the pools and runs.
1000 to 1500 cfs – Considered by most to be the best wading conditions. All the pools are easily accessible.
1500 to 2000 cfs – Still excellent wading but some water starts to become less unaccessible.
2000 to 2500 cfs – Approaching the upper end for easy wading. Still good fishing levels but far less accessible.
2500 to 3000 cfs – Limited wading to a few pools. Fish spread out but new (secret) high water runs start to hold fish.
3000 + cfs – Marginal at best but can be very productive around the dam and along any eddy line.
Tighten your wader belt before you leave the pavement and never wade over your knees.
4000 + cfs – Downright dangerous.
On the Roach River if the water flow is: cfs = cubic feet per second
Less that 100 cfs – Probably not many fish in the river
100 to 150 cfs – enough water to hold fish in the upper river
150 to 200 cfs – Good fall attractor flows
200 to 250 cfs – Excellent spring and fall attractor flows
250 to 300 – Very marginal wading
300 plus – be sure you have a good hold on an alder , great canoe ride!!
500 plus – make sure your spray skirt is good and tight
On the Moose River if the water flow is: cfs = cubic feet per second
Under 500 cfs – Extremely wadable
500 to 1000 cfs – Very wadable
1000 to 1500 cfs – Still wadable
1500 to 2000 cfs – Marginal wading
Over 2000 cfs – Questionable?
On the West Branch of the Penobscot: cfs = cubic feet per second
From Big Eddy down
1000 to 2000 – lots of wading water in Big Eddy and all along the river below.
2000 to 2500 – wadable in many areas
2500 to 3000 – marginal wading everywhere
3001 and above – Bring your drift boat
