Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:54 am, the temperature in Townsend is 39 degrees.

It will be mostly cloudy today with a high temperature around 45 degrees, falling to the upper 20’s overnight.

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

Little River is flowing at 577 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.78 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 289 cfs. The water temperature is 44.6 degrees this morning.

Some streams rose slightly overnight due to the light showers. We got .13 inches in Townsend overnight so far. However, the streams will continue to recede today and over the next few days. Currently, most if not all streams are flowing higher than normal, but many are fishable.

The streams are also warming. That will continue through the week. Saturday’s high temperature is predicted to rise beyond 60 degrees and Friday will be close to 60.

Lower flows and higher temperatures will improve fishing in the Smokies by the weekend.

If you go today, be aware that some streams have strong currents. Stand in safe water casting nymphs or streamers. Fish in the lower elevations where the water is warmer.

Fishing will improve in the lower elevations where trout are stocked. Some of these rivers may be fishing well now. Nymphs and streamers will work best for you.

TVA and the Corps will be generating all day at several dams. There are a few exceptions that will offer tailwater anglers some options. Check the TVA website from the links below to see what tailwater fishing opportunities 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”.  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 31, 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