Fishing Strategies for Tailwaters

Last weekend, I wandered over to Mountain Home, Arkansas and fished
the tailwaters just below Bull Shoals Dam. They were generating power
all weekend, so the water was up. Caught a couple of browns on scuds
- but have absolutely no idea how. From there, went over to the
tailwater just below Beaver Lake. They were also generating power
there, and the water was up. Had a decent brown on for about 30 secs,
then he shook me off.

Questions:
Does anyone here have a system or strategy for fishing these
tailwaters when they're up and running full-blast? What flies and
techniques work for you? How do you recognize "fishy" water?

Because of my location, I'm fairly limited to tailwater fishing, so
this is going to continue to be a deal, and I'd appreciate any ideas
anyone may have. There's got to be a more scientific method than
trying everywhere with everything.

Thanks!