Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. The temperature this morning at 5:14 am is 55 degrees.

We are going to enjoy some great Fall-like weather over the next few days. Unfortunately, it may be dry. There is only a slight chance for rain over the next 7 days in the forecast. That could change of course. Hopefully it will.

It will be cool. We can expect daytime highs in the low to upper 70’s, with lows at night in the 40’s or 50’s through next week.

Most streams in the Smokies are flowing lower than normal but there are some exceptions, including Cataloochee Creek.

Little River is flowing at 1.45 feet on the gauge or 68.1 cubic feet per second (cfs). Median flow for this date is 82 cfs. The water temperature at the low elevation USGS site is 64.0 degrees.

Most anglers would prefer higher water for ideal fishing conditions. But, trout can and will be caught at all elevations despite the low water conditions. Water temperatures are ideal at most elevations and that will be the case over the next few days. The streams may be chilly, especially in the higher elevations early in the mornings. But, they will warm later.

Most reasonable dry flies and nymphs will work in the Smokies. I would use a Yellow Stimulator, Yellow Sally stonefly patterns, Parachute Adams, or foam beetles for my dry fly. If you like to fish with a weighted dropper, a small bead head nymph is a good choice. Mine would be a Pheasant Tail. Or, fish with a weighted nymph or two and you should do well.

Fishing in the low elevations for stocked trout is good due to the ideal water temperatures.  

Due to the low water conditions, stealth is paramount to your success. Dress to blend with the forest. Stay low if you can. I would use light tippets, 5X or lighter. Cast to the broken water where most trout are hiding. You may see some brown or brook trout out in the open preparing to spawn or actually spawning.

Leaf colors are changing. I’ve heard the leaf colors have peaked in the high elevations. We are far from that in the low elevations. Leaves are falling. You will have to deal with them if you are fishing. That’s OK. We love Fall!

Most areas and services in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are open and operational for now despite the shutdown. A temporary funding agreement with counties, towns, the State of Tennessee, Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians and nonprofit organizations like Friends of the Smokies are providing much needed money to keep things going.

We are busy at the shop. This has been a very good Fall for us so far.

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

Byron Begley
October 9, 2025

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Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com