Friday I checked the app for the water release schedule for Apalachia dam...aka the Hiwassee river. It was 0 generation until 11 am and then 1 generator from 11 to 11 pm. So off I go after work. Get up to the powerhouse at about 9 and it's just me and my buddy there. I get out in it. The water was a little murky but immediately I started catching trout. Caught several browns and only one rainbow...kind of odd for me there. Then at 11, the alarm sounds at the dam. Generally, when they've not been running water and then bump 1 turbine on, it starts a big fish feeding frenzy. I went to my favorite spot for when they do that and waited. My buddy didn't want to get out in the water with it still being cold so he was fishing from the bank. The water started coming up and I began fishing and waiting for that big bite. Man...that water sure is loud and getting swift. I turn and look...to my horror, my marker rock that I generally go by to gage the water level...is under water and that means...they've turned 2 turbines on instead of 1. Ohhh crap. 1 turbine is wadable in. Two will kill you faster than you can blink. I tried to stay calm but knew I was in a pickle. Fishing was over and now it was trying to get out alive. Water that is normally knee to crotch deep with 0 to 1 turbine...is about chest to neck deep with 2 turbines and SWIFT. Even the shallower knee deep water is so swift it will take your footing and knock you down. I began side stepping/scooting to get to the nearest bank. I was slowly making progress when I stumbled on a rock and that, combined with the strong current = Crow off his feet and at the mercy of the river. My waders, jacket, etc got water in them...even with the wader belt on. I ricochet off some rocks and lost nearly all my gear. Ended up quite a ways down river and just kept afloat til the river angled me to the bank and was able to get out. Not a fun experience. 
I loaded up and we left immediately. By the time I got home, got out of my wet clothes and such, my legs and toes were nearly blue/purple from being cold. I got up to go to work and I feel like somebody beat me with a stick from where I guess I bounced off rocks. All for a few trout that I didn't even keep. From now on...I don't care what the friggin app says...when that alarm goes off, I am OUT. Yes, I know the disclaimer is there about it being subject to change...but usually it is right on.
I loaded up and we left immediately. By the time I got home, got out of my wet clothes and such, my legs and toes were nearly blue/purple from being cold. I got up to go to work and I feel like somebody beat me with a stick from where I guess I bounced off rocks. All for a few trout that I didn't even keep. From now on...I don't care what the friggin app says...when that alarm goes off, I am OUT. Yes, I know the disclaimer is there about it being subject to change...but usually it is right on.
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