I was up there today, my first trip. Didn't fish this time but plan to return in a couple weeks. I was surprised at the number of people mid week. The water was higher and more off color than I expected. Is this normal? A result of the recent rains? A result of power generation? Does it normal fluctuate during the day with generation cycles, like I see on the Little Red or White in Arkansas? Any suggestions where one might wade fish and get away from the recrestional crowd?

Thanks!

Not sure about the water color, I have never gone up to fish there. However the increased number of people, two words, SPING BREAK!

The only places there are rises in water are downstream of the powerhouse which is below the swim beach. Water has been off color lately due recent rains in the lake. You could try below old park and downstream for wading away from people, just be aware of the power generation schedule, and if the siren sounds, that area is done for the day.

Spring through Fall they put log stops in the bridges at the swim beach area and conoe rental area which makes the water higher for the summer activities. In the Fall those come out and that whole stretch gains a little speed and is lower.That makes fishing better in those areas.
From the Spillway to Evening hole stays the same. The lower area is like what crappiecatcher said. If down there and you hear the horn be smart and get out. Don't panic and try to get out in a few seconds because you have a couple minutes

After March 1st it's a playground. Middle of Spring Break doesn't help. Come back in winter when the kids are too cold to play.

Water coming out of the lake has been off color since it reopened a month ago. That was my first stop of the day (1st Friday it opened). Usually you can see the bottom in the little cut there on the right, now you can maybe see 6" or so. I guess all that water even stirred up water 200' deep down at the dam. Crazy, I know.

Thanks for all the responses. Yes, it is hectic during spring break. No surprise I see suppose.
So, if I'm reading you correctly, the major fly fishing areas are upstream from the canoe area or downstream from the dam at the south end of the park. Correct? I will try to explore those areas when I return.

If you don't want to be near a bunch of people, fish in zone 2 all the way down to zone 3. You have to be barbless in zone 2 but sometimes there's some big brood fish in there

Thanks. I will most likely explore zone two if water not too high.

Just an update. Got up there three days last week. Water levels now good, cleared up quite a bit, but fishing is still very slow. Crowds were very light early in the week, building as the weekend approached. Good Sams Club rally filled the Buckeye campground on the weekend.