Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:45 am, the temperature in Townsend is 39 degrees.

There is a slight chance for rain or snow showers this morning. Today will be mostly cloudy with a high temperature in the low 40’s, dropping to the middle 20’s tonight.

Tomorrow will be mostly sunny and warmer with a high in the middle 50’s and a low in the low to middle 30’s.

Little River is flowing at 756 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 3.02 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 302 cfs. The water temperature is 43.9 degrees this morning.

Streams and rivers in the mountains are flowing higher than normal with some flowing considerably higher. Safe wading is not possible in some rivers. The streams are chilly, colder than the trout prefer.

If you go today be careful wading. Fish in the low elevations where the water is warmer. Stand in safe water casting weighted nymphs or streamers.

Though the rivers are flowing high and cold, fishing for stocked trout may be fair or better. Nymphs and streamers will work best for you. Stand in safe water to fish.

There are pauses in the generation planned at only a few dams today. Most pauses will occur this afternoon, making it harder to plan time on the river during daylight hours. Check the TVA website from the links below to see what tailwater options you have today.

We have some great free fly tying demonstrations planned for this coming weekend.

Bryan Begbie will be tying on Saturday February 3rd between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Brian runs the fly fishing program at Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain resorts. He is an incredible fly tyer and a professional guide. He is an avid Smokies angler, tailwater fisherman and musky fly fishing enthusiast. Brian will be tying flies that he uses when guiding his clients for trout.

David Knapp will be tying Sunday February 4th between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. David is an exceptional fly fishing guide, who specializes in trout angling in the mountains and on the tailwaters. He is also known for his blog, “The Trout Zone”.  CLICK HERE to visit the site. He also enjoys fly fishing for smallmouth bass in small rivers. David will be demonstrating tying his favorite trout patterns.  

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 29, 2024

We are hold two all-day Beginner Fly Tying Classes on Saturday February 17th. Taking this class 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