Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:49 am, the temperature in Townsend is 32 degrees.

Today will be sunny and warm with a high temperature in the upper 50’s falling to the low 30’s tonight.

Tomorrow will be sunny and warmer with a high in the low 60’s and a low in the middle 30’s.

Little River is flowing at 303 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.28 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 393 cfs. The water temperature is 43.3 degrees this morning.

Streams in the mountains are flowing very close to normal with some flowing slightly below normal. They are all flowing at a good fishing level. The water is chilly. Though we have had warm days, the nights have remained cold, near or below the freezing mark. We will see warmer night later this week while warm days will continue through the weekend. Fishing will improve somewhat. We are hoping for water temperatures to reach near 50 degrees to see a significant change in wild trout activity.

If you go today, fish in the low elevations using weighted nymph rigs.

Fishing for stocked trout has been good. These fish don’t seem to mind the colder water. Anglers are catching them on nymphs, midge pupa, Squirmy Worms, egg patterns and streamers.

TVA and the Corps are generating all day or around the clock at many dams. There are exceptions. Check out the schedules at Center Hill, Wilbur, Dale Hollow, South Holston and Chatuge dams. You might be able to work with some of  those for at least a partial day of tailwater fishing.

We have been busy at the shop. This warm weather has reminded many fly fishers that Spring not far off. Some are fishing now. This warm weather will continue through the weekend.

Jason Alexander will be conducting our Saturday Free Fly Tying Demonstration. He will be tying between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Jason lives in Maryville and has been a customer at the shop for many years. He has been fly fishing for much of his young life. He is a graphic artist. You probably noticed our huge selection of fly fishing themed stickers we sell in the shop. He designed many of those and sell them to us.

Our Free Fly Tying Demonstration Sunday will feature Jimmy Jones, another Maryville resident. He will be tying between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Jimmy is an avid Smokies fisherman. Jimmy has some well-designed flies he uses to catch trout there. He has his own “Killer” version of the Neversink Caddis for you to learn to tie.  

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 5, 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