Abstract: A basket for a traveling water screen which includes a top rail with a pair of spaced apart end members at opposite ends of the top rail which are joined to the top rail. A water screen extends between the end members and includes an upper edge portion supported by the top rail, and a lower edge portion opposite the upper edge portion, and opposite edges supported by the spaced apart end members. A lower channel rail extends between the spaced apart end members and supports the lower edge portion of the water screen with the lower channel rail defining an internal channel having a smooth arcuate inner surface. An insert in the form of an elongated member is positioned in the bottom, back downstream side of the channel and forms a quiescent condition in the bottom of said channel when the basket is exposed to a flowing water stream.