A continuous-casting operation controlling method and apparatus in which: the molten-bath level of molten steel in a mold is detected in a period of from the time point just after the start of injection of the molten steel to the time point when the molten-bath level reaches a molten-bath level for the steady-state operation; and the quantity of discharge of the molten steel is controlled appropriately on the basis of the detected molten-bath level to thereby make it possible to start drawing-out of casting automatically. The molten-bath level is measured continuously by an electrode type molten-bath level meter, so that the molten-bath level ascending rate is obtained on the basis of the change of the molten-bath level. The flow rate of the molten steel discharged from a tundish is adjusted on the basis of the deviation of the molten-bath level ascending rate from a reference rate. When the molten-bath level then reaches a predetermined reference level lower than the molten-bath level for the steady-state operation, drawing-out of casting is started.