Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:44 am, the temperature in Townsend is 47 degrees.

We are under a flood watch. The forecast calls for “Heavy Rain” today and tonight. Today’s high temperature will be in the low 60’s, dropping to around 40 degrees tonight.

Showers are likely tomorrow and overnight with a high in the upper 40’s and a low in the low 30’s. Rain will turn to snow showers in the high elevations.

Little River is flowing at 790 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 3.06 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 325 cfs. The water temperature is 48.6 degrees this morning.

Streams in the mountains are flowing higher than normal, with some flowing considerably higher. I drove to Maryville yesterday and saw Little River at many locations. The river was rolling! Some rivers in the mountains may be fishable now, but we are expecting heavy rain today and possible flooding. This is probably not a good day to be planning a fishing day in the Smokies.

The same is true in the low elevation rivers where trout are stocked. You might be able to fish in Gatlinburg or Tellico, or at least give it a try. Other delayed harvest streams may be fishable. Be careful. These rivers are flowing swift. Stand in safe water casting nymphs and streamers. Get out if you see the water rising.

There are breaks in the generation planned at some dams today, with most being in the afternoon hours. Those schedules can be difficult to plan around. I did notice a couple of dams with little to no generation planned today so a “road trip” might be an option.

We have some great Free Fly Tying Demonstrations planned this weekend. Bob Nanney and Rex Wilson from western North Carolina will be demonstrating today, 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 tomorrow 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 27, 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