Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:49 am, the temperature in Townsend is 28 degrees.

This is going to be another beautiful day in the Great Smoky Mountains. It will be sunny with a high temperature around 60 degrees, dropping 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 271 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.20 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 366 cfs. The water temperature is 42.8 degrees this morning. Yesterday, the river temperature rose to 44.2 degrees.

Most streams in the Smokies have receded to slightly below normal for this date. The streams are still chilly even at the low elevations. It will be a little warmer over the next few of days so hopefully the streams temperatures will rise somewhat. What we need are warmer nights and that will occur later this week. We will enjoy temperatures at night in the 40’s and 50’s Thursday through Sunday. Rain is in the forecast Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

If you go today, fish in the low elevations where the water is warmer. Nymphs or weighted nymph rigs are good choices.

Fishing for stocked trout has been good and that will continue over the next few days. Anglers are catching a lot of big trout in Gatlinburg. Visit the Gatlinburg Trout Facility Facebook page and see for yourself.

There is significant generation planned today at some tailwaters, while there are breaks at others. Most of the breaks will be during the afternoon hours so you will be fishing the falling water. Check the TVA website to plan your tailwater fishing day.

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 6, 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