Abstract: The ecological flow discharge of reservoir is extremely important to protect the ecological environment in the downstream of the river and maintain the health of river and lake. In the paper, taking typical reservoirs in northern Hubei Province with water shortage as the research object, the significance of ensuring ecological flow was expounded to implement the overall national strategy and promote the high-quality development of water conservancy. The management measures of reservoirs such as ecological flow discharge facilities, monitoring forms and scheduling methods were analyzed, and the main problems existing in the management of reservoir ecological flow at the present stage were presented. Combined with the regional characteristics and actual situation, the optimal management measures of reservoir ecological flow discharge were put forward. The research results can provide essential references for management of reservoir ecological flow discharge in the area of water shortage.