Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 6:11 am, the temperature in Townsend is 41 degrees.

It rained yesterday but the possible heavy rain missed us in Townsend. We got .48 inches of rain in town yesterday.

Showers are likely today and tonight. The high temperature today will be in the low 40’s falling to the middle 30’s overnight. Rain will change to snow in the higher elevations today and overnight. Gusty winds are expected.

Little River is flowing at 1,080 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 3.37 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 306 cfs. The water temperature is 48.9 degrees this morning.

Streams in the mountains are flowing higher than normal and in many cases, too high to safely wade. Rain is likely again today so we may see the rivers rise further. It may also be windy in the mountains.

If you go fishing in the Smokies today, stand in safe water casting weighted nymphs or streamers. Watch for rising water.

Fishing for stocked trout is good in the streams that have reasonable flows. Nymphs and streamers will work best. I talked to Travis Williams yesterday at the shop. He runs the trout program in Gatlinburg. He told me the river is stocked very well right now and anglers are catching plenty of big trout. Fishing with live or scented bait is prohibited and all trout must be released in Gatlinburg during the delayed harvest period we are in now.

If you are interested in fishing on a tailwater, check the TVA website to see what your options are today. There are some very interesting generation schedules for you to work with at some dams.

Justin Pugh will be demonstrating today (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 a very enthusiastic and professional fly fishing angler. He and his guide buddies at Blackberry are a team whether working with clients or fishing for their own pleasure. You will see some very interesting flies tied today that have been tested by the pros who make a living fly fishing in East Tennessee.

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 28, 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