Pacemaker Fishing Forum

As my tag line says,...."Hell or High Water.....I'm Fishin........"   But not when it is unsafe.  Here is the link for Little Falls reporting station....and then an explaination.

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrogra … ,1,1,1,1,1

I will use the following graph for the explaination.


There are 6 river stages:

Normal (safe) Stage is less than 5 feet at Little Falls (colored white).  This is the level you want to be fishing at if you are in DC waters.  Anything above 5 feet is dangerous and can have you meet your maker sooner than you desire.  Under-currents and hydrolyics can suck you under.....even if you have a PFD on.....and not spit you back up to the top for a couple of miles (how long can you hold your breath?)

Action Stage is between 5 and 10 feet (colored yellow). Fletcher's Boathouse will not rent boats at this Stage.  Fishing above National Airport is extremely hazardous if the level is between 5-6 feet. Fishing at Levels of 6-7 feet should only be attempted by the mentally insane.  Fishing at levels of 7-10 feet would certianly be a death wish.  Minor flooding occurs downriver when the river is at Action Stage.

Flood Stage is 10-12 feet (colored orange).  The river is crushing through the Georgetown area of the river.  Areas of DC/Alexandria have some significant flooding.  Fishing from the shoreline on a day like this might be your last.  No boat fishing at all.

Moderate Stage is 12-14 feet (colored pink).  Fletcher's is flooded.  The river has become a beast.  Doubt the Coast Guard or DC Police would attempt a "by water" rescue.

Major Stage is 14+ feet (colored purple).  Major flooding. Great Falls Park is closed up river.

Record Stage is self explainitory. 

DON'T PUT YOUR BOAT IN DC WATERS ABOVE NATIONAL AIRPORT IF THE LEVEL IS ABOVE 6 FEET..........5 FEET IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE RIVER

Last edited by Curly (Aug-11-11 2:39PM)