Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:46 am, the temperature in Townsend is 28 degrees.

Today will be sunny and warm with a high temperature in the middle 50’s dropping to the middle 30’s tonight.

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

Saturday will be sunny with a high around 60 degrees and a low in in the low 30’s.

Little River is flowing at 453 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.58 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 305 cfs. The water temperature is 41.7 degrees and falling this morning.

Streams in the Smokies are flowing somewhat higher than normal but they are receding. Many streams are now fishable and safe to wade, though there are strong currents out there so be careful. The streams will continue to recede over the next three days or longer.

The streams are cold this morning at all elevations. If you go fishing today, fish in the lower elevations where the water is warmer. I would go later today when the water is warmer. We will see the streams continue to warm over the next few days.

Fishing will improve in the trout stocked rivers as water levels recede and the water warms. Most of the rivers are still flowing higher than normal and swift in some areas. Stand in safe water casting nymphs or streamers.

TVA and the Corps will be generating for long periods today at many dams. There are exceptions. Where there are breaks in the schedules, most will be this afternoon. If you are hoping to fish on a tailwater today, check the TVA website to see what options you have.

We will all be watching the long term weather forecast and I am looking at it right now. What is immediately apparent is, February is going to start out much warmer than normal for the first eleven days.

Some years, fly fishing Spring begins in late February. Water temperatures approach or exceed the 50 degrees mark and remain fairly warm day and night. Some years, the Spring aquatic insects become active in late February. We see sporadic hatches of Quill Gordons, Blue Quills and Blue Wing Olives especially in the lower elevations.

When the water warms, trout become active and feed on the insects. We are out there, catching trout on dry flies and wet flies.

It is more likely this will occur in March. But, it has happened if February and maybe this will be one of those years.     

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
February 1, 2024

We are hold an all-day Beginner Fly Tying Classe 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