River flows?

[bowtech721]

When people talk about fishing the rivers at different flows i have a basic understanding of what they mean but what do you monitor... the median flow or the discharge? I have been looking at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/WA/nwis/current/?type=flow

[jackelope]

I would look at current flows at the graph then compare that to the mean flows below the graph...
this one is of the skykomish at gold bar.

[jackelope]

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wa/nwis/uv/?site_no=12134500&PARAmeter_cd=00060,00065

the median(average) is 3600cfs so right now the Sky at Gold Bar is at 2840 which is lower than average.
.

is this what you're wondering?

[bowtech721]

Ya pretty much... thanks for the example i was kinda also wondering what that typically would mean as far as fishing. Like if its above or below and how that affects the fishing.

[jackelope]

my take...
Low water means clear water(usually) which means tougher fishing(usually) which also will limit the amount of fish coming up the river if you're talking about salmon or steelhead I guess. Once the water comes up a little and gets a little color, you'll get a little better fishing(less visibility/less line-shy fish) plus the increased flow will usually trigger fresh fish coming from the salt.
I will also say that if you ask 5 different fishermen you'll get 5 different opinions.
 
This would all apply till the rivers are totally blown at which point all you can do is watch lumber floating down the river.

[bowtech721]

Makes sense

[jumpin]

WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST WATER FLOW NUMBERS FOR THE SKY FOR EXAMPLE. IM SURE ALL RIVERS WOULD BE DIFFERANT