Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:40 am, the temperature in Townsend is 27 degrees.

It will be sunny today with a high temperature in the low 60’s, dropping to the middle 30’s tonight. Tomorrow will be partly sunny with a high in the low 60’s and a warmer night in the low 40’s. Expect rain Friday with a high around 60 and a low overnight in the low 50’s.

Little River is flowing at 239 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.11 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 338 cfs. The water temperature is 41.9 degrees this morning.

Streams in the Smokies are flowing at or lower than normal for this date. Though we have had some nice warm days, the water temperature has been chilly due to the cold nights. That should change soon. We are expecting lows in the 40’s and 50’s beginning tomorrow night. And, warm rain is predicted Friday and through the weekend.

When the water temperatures rise, fishing will improve.

If you go today, fish in the low elevations where the water is warmer with weighted nymph rigs.

Fishing for stocked trout is good. They are packed in tight quarters with limited food. They are hungry. Try nymphs, caddis pupa, Squirmy Worms, egg patterns or streamers.

There are breaks in the generation at a few dams today but some are scheduled to be churning all day. You have more options if you are boating on a tailwater today and there are some schedules wading anglers can work with. Check the TVA website from the links below to see what tailwater options you have.

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 7, 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