Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 5:04 am, the temperature in Townsend is 54 degrees.

Rain has been falling overnight. We have had over a half inch of rain so far. We are under a “Flood Watch”.

Many roads that were closed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are now open, including Newfound Gap Road and Little River Road.

We can expect plenty of rain and possibly heavy rain over the next few days. Today will be overcast with a high temperature in the middle 50’s. Expect showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain possible. Rain and thunderstorms will remain overnight with a low temperature in the middle 50’s.

Showers are likely tomorrow with a high in the middle 60’s and a low in the low 50’s.

Saturday will be warm, in the low to middle 60’s with a high chance for rain.

Little River is flowing at 1,220 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 3.57 feet on the gauge. The river is rising quickly. Median flow for this date is 327 cfs. The water temperature is 47.3 degrees and rising.

Most if not all streams in the mountains are rising quickly due to heavy rain and melting snow. Some are blown out while others are well on the way. We will probably see some very high water today, too high to safely wade and fish in some rivers or maybe all. There is the possibility that some rivers will recede so watch the USGS gauges as the day progresses.

Many low elevation rivers where trout are stocked will be flowing high today.

The streams are warming quickly. If we have reasonable flows, which I don’t believe will happen, fishing will be much better today than it has been in a while.

TVA and the Corps will be generating less now that the demand for electricity is back to normal. There are some generation schedules you can work with at some dams today. Visit the TVA website from the links below to see what tailwater fishing options you have.

We have some great Free Fly Tying Demonstrations planned for this weekend. Bob Nanney and Rex Wilson from western North Carolina will be demonstrating Saturday January 27th between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. These guys are well known long-time Smokies anglers and fly tyers.

Justin Pugh will be demonstrating on Sunday January 28th between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Justin is a fly fishing guide at Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain. He is an avid streamer tyer and fisherman.

You do not need a reservation to attend these free demonstrations. Just show up at the shop.

If we need to cancel a demonstration due to bad weather, you can find out on this report.

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

Byron Begley
January 25, 2024

We are hold two all-day Beginner Fly Tying Classes on Saturday January 27th and Saturday February 17th. Taking one of these classes will give you a huge jump start into the wonderful hobby of fly tying. The class costs $100, which includes all the materials you will need for the day and the use of our vises and tools. We will also provide lunch for you. Space is limited so call the shop at 865-448-9459 soon to book your spot.

Join us on the weekends during the Winter for our Free Fly Tying Demonstrations.   You don’t need a reservation. Just show up. You can view our schedule by CLICKING HERE.

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

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com