500 is better than 400. In general, more water is better. I can understand the complaint that at flows between 600-750 Tower doesn't have a good line, but there is a sneak. Fist is ALWAYS nasty in my opinion anywhere over 500, but to deny yourself good flow on the whole remainder of the run just to have comfy lines on Fist and Tower doesn't make sense to me. The higher the better! The push is the whitewater component makes the Russell Fork in October so good. Add in the leaves, crisp cool air, and great people and you have the perfect southeast paddling weekend destination.

See you up there.
Kirk