A method, system and apparatus for operating a hydraulic turbine. A speed adjustment quantity for the hydraulic turbine and a corresponding change in flow quantity are obtained. A rotation speed of the hydraulic turbine is adjusted based on the speed adjustment quantity. A change ratio of the flow quantity with regard to the speed adjustment quantity is determined based on the speed adjustment quantity and the corresponding change in flow quantity. An adjustment manner in which the rotation speed is further adjusted is determined based on the determined based on the determined change ratio of flow quantity. An adjustment manner in which the rotation speed is further adjusted is determined based on the determined change ratio of flow quantity. It enables the hydraulic turbine to track a maximum efficiency operation point under a given power order and water head in real time at a low cost.