Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 6:36 am, the temperature in Townsend is 31 degrees.

Today will be another Spring-like day. It will be partly sunny with a high temperature around 60 degrees, dropping to the low 30’s tonight. Tomorrow will be sunny with a high in the low 60’s.

Little River is flowing at 329 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.34 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 381 cfs. The water temperature is 43.2 degrees this morning.

Water temperatures are slowly warming. For fishing to significantly improve, we need to see the water temperature reach or exceed the upper 40’s. We are not there yet. But, fishing has improved somewhat. Stream flows in the major rivers have reached normal or median flow.

If you go today, weighted nymphs or nymph rigs will likely work best. The streams are very clear so light tippet will be helpful. Fish in the low elevations where the water is warmer.

Fishing for stocked trout is good. I visited the Gatlinburg Trout Facility Facebook page this morning. I saw some great photos of two kids who caught about 45 trout in the kids section yesterday. Some were really big trout.

Tailwater anglers who are wading have only a handful of options today. Check the TVA website to see what tailwater fishing opportunities you have. If you are boating, there are more.

Yesterday felt like a Spring day. Today will be the same. A lot of people were out and about, enjoying the warm weather. We were busy at the shop. Many of yesterday’s customers were buying new waders and wading boots. We are all anticipating and preparing for Spring fishing which is not far off.

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

David Knapp will be tying today (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 4, 2024

We are holding an all-day Beginner Fly Tying Class 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