Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:50 am, the temperature in Townsend is 32 degrees.

This is going to be a beautiful Spring-like day. It will be sunny with a high temperature in the low 60’s, dropping to the low to middle 30’s tonight. Tomorrow will be partly sunny with a high near 60 degrees.

Little River is flowing at 367 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.42 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 358 cfs. The water temperature is 43.7 degrees this morning.

Most streams in the mountains are now flowing very close to normal for this date. The water is slowly warming and that trend will continue. We will have warm days with temperatures close to or in the 60’s through the end of next week. The nights will be cold which is keep the water temperatures from rising quickly. However, the nights will become warmer later next week.

If you go today, fish in the lower elevations where the water is warmer. Weighted nymph rigs will likely work best for you.

Fishing for stocked trout is improving daily. Water levels are closer to normal. Water temperatures are rising slowly. Try nymphs, midge pupa, Squirmy Worms, egg patterns or streamers. You may need to downsize your tippet.

TVA and the Corps will be generating heavily at many dams today but there are some exceptions that might be interesting to you. Check the schedules at Dale Hollow, Cherokee, Center Hill and Chatuge dams.

Yesterday was Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow. Spring will come early this year.  If you look at the 7-day forecast, that seems to be the case. The longer term forecast indicates colder temperatures that are close to normal beginning on February 12th. That is a long way off. The forecast may change.

As usual, we have some excellent Free Fly Tying Demonstrations for you this weekend.

Bryan Begbie will be tying today, (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 tomorrow (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 well known for his very popular 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.

Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.

Byron Begley
February 3, 2024

We are holding 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