Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is already 49 degrees this morning and we are heading for an unseasonably warm 69F today.

Water levels across the Smokies low. This morning the Little River has a gauge reading of 1.53 feet or 81.9 c.f.s. The daily normal is 314 c.f.s. Water temperatures are up. This morning the Little River gauge shows a temperature of 46.4 F and that will rise more today.

We have had a very moderate Winter so far. The next several days won't be much different. Thankfully there is rain in the forecast. We have been short on rainfall lately and are due for a good soak to bring stream levels back to where they should be. The rain should begin mid-day Friday and continue through Saturday. The Middle Prong/Tremont will be very muddy since it has been so long since our last rainfall. It should clear out by early next week.

Nymph patterns have been working best. The Smokies doesn't have many hatches in the Winter. The hatched bugs you will find are very small black stoneflies, midges, and Blue Wing Olive mayflies. A small, black elk hair caddis can work and for the BWO I would use a parachute with a bright colored post. After the rain, Squirmy Worm patterns can work well. Regular nymphs are always good in the Winter. Pats Rubberlegs, various euro style nymphs, pheasant tails, etc. Have a variety of sizes to try.

This is going to be a great weekend for Fly Tying Demos. Walter Babb will be here on Saturday from 10am till 2pm. Walter is immense wealth of fly fishing knowledge. He will be tying traditional patterns and telling pleanty of tails. This is a time not to miss. Sunday we are joined by David Knapp. He will be tying from 12pm till 3pm. David is a local guide with Troutzoneanglers.com He fishes the mountains, the tailwaters, trout, smallmouth and even for some musky. There is no need to call ahead, just show up...but you may want to get here early to get yourself a seat.

Ron has lots of free fly tying demonstrations and fly tying classes scheduled. You can see the Free Fly Tying Demonstrations schedule by CLICKING HERE. He holds those on Saturday and Sunday during the cold months. You don’t need a reservation to attend. Just show up at the shop.

You can see the Fly Tying Class schedule by CLICKING HERE. We have classes for beginners and for those who already tie but want to learn new skills.

Remember just because it is Winter doesn't mean you should take a break from fishing. Watch the weather and take advantage of fewer crowds and some great fishing opportunities.

Have a great week and thank you for being here with us.

Daniel Drake
January 8, 2026

WALTER BABB BAMBOO RODS FOR SALE - Buy directly from Walter. CLICK HERE for more information.

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com