The update on the Western Maryland scene is, despite comparably low precipitation levels and low flows on the Gunpowder, the Savage River received an 800 Cfs White Water release from 9-1 p.m. today, July 1st. The ACOE, (Army Corp of Engineers) is complying with whitewater groups requests to release a volume of water over five hours, that will send more water downriver than in the past two weeks, (at 50 Cfs a day). Data is showing that the Savage reservoir is at a 12 year June low, yet the ACOE assures that the levels would allow a 800 Cfs for five hours of recreation, which leaves trout 55 Cfs for the Savage for the remainder of the YEAR. That is the best-case scenario if planning and calculations go as expected.

The North Branch is facing a similar problem as local fishing guides and white water outfitters are struggling with the ACOE at Jennings Randolph Dam. The North Branch at Barnum flowing at a medium level would be about 250-350 Cfs, and now is at 160 Cfs.–Sort of like the Gunpowder at 34 Cfs versus at 100 Cfs. Fly fishing guides want 300 Cfs for float trips to make navigation over large rock gardens possible. White water guides want 800-1000 Cfs to create a white water environment. White water releases have been made as recently as late May, but fishing guides have received only a few days of water at 275 Cfs, which is not meeting floating angler’s needs. All groups have been notified that further releases may not occur, as the region is dry.

If water is everyone’s resource that should be shared, how can one group’s needs be met when those needs threaten the ability of the resource to survive, not to mention an other group’s ability to use the resource? Trout anglers hope tail water fisheries have plenty of water to ensure the fish survive over the hot summers. As conservation minded group, fly fishermen adapt and even alter our recreation when it comes to conditions being less than ideal. We deal with low water, no water and high water. If the river is flood stage, we don’t cry to the folks at the dam to cut the water back because we need to recreate. Why should the white water group’s request seem any less ridiculous? Imagine sharing a water bottle on a hot day and you get a sip, but the other guy pours it all over himself. When any recreational activity endangers wildlife, drinking water supplies and equal user access, the time for change is upon us.

The influence of the whitewater community on the ACOE in Western Maryland has negatively impacted reservoir levels and flow rates in the Savage and North Branch of the Potomac. These releases are not only unfair to anglers, but also the fish, which deal with scouring torrents; subsequent insect loss and structure change. The low flows will ensue for months. These low flows make trout more susceptible to predators, cannibalism of young of year, and warming temperatures. The white water community has asked for releases once every month this summer for both the North Branch and The Savage River. Meanwhile trout and anglers have been allocated a minimum flow on these western Maryland fisheries while the Army Corp of Engineers “conserves” water for the next white water release. As of this writing, water management by the ACOE appears to be biased towards the white water community.

What’s your take?

Please feel free to contact the shop at info@backwaterangler.com to voice your concerns over this matter.