Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. Rain is falling again this morning as we open the Shop for the day. Check the streamflow gauges before making deciscions of where to go.

Water levels across the Smokies have been good to a bit high. This morning the gauge on Little River is reading 2.15 feet or 278 c.f.s. The daily normal flow this time of year is 111 c.f.s. Water temperatures have been slightly below normal. At the gauge they are currently 67.6F. Higher elevations will be much cooler. Water levels can change quickly in the mountains so be aware of the conditions around you.

Trout fishing has been good overall in the Smokies. Mornings have been slow if there is a big overnight temperature drop. Crowds have thinned during the week. Mid to high elevations have still been best but if you don't feel like lacing on the hiking boots you don't necessarily have to put in the miles to get to good fishing.

With the higher water many anglers are taking advantage of some late season Euro nymphing. The heavy flies get down to trout which are hunkering down in the fast water. Dry/dropper and good ole dry flies are still a fun way to go in the evenings. Yellow is the main color of choice for dry flies and will stay that way till we get closer to fall and things begin turning orange. Beetles and ant patterns can also be a good choice especially if you are going to be on the stream during the middle part of the day.

The quest for Smoky Mountain Grand Slams continues. We have had over 100 people bring their photos and claim their stickers. The rules are simple. Go fishing and catch a rainbow, brown and brook trout, getting a photograph of each. Bring thoses photos back to the Shop and get your Grand Slam sticker. There is no limit to how many times you do it either. We've got plenty of stickers!

It is hard to believe that August is more than half over and Fall is coming soon. Now is the time to remember where you packed your waders away and give them a good check. A lot of people will have small leaks in the Spring....but hey..wet wading season is just around the corner, no need to worry about that. Well now cold weather fishing is right around the corner and damp legs when the water is 50 degrees is a bit more uncomfortable. Now that we've gotten to see what manufacturers have coming in 2027 we have some waders that we need to clear out to make room. Simms G3 waders are on a pretty steep discount right now making them comparably priced to much lighter weight styles. Available sizes can be found HERE on the Online Store. We have some other waders on Sale in the Shop that we can't list online yet.

More Beginner and Intermediate Fly Tying Classes have been scheduled. Check out the dates on the School Page.

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

Daniel Drake
August 20, 2026

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

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com