Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains.  It isn't currently raining here in Blount County.  The forecast is calling for rain today but thankfully the weather folks have backed off on the rain accumulation amounts.  Also, it isn't 100% chance so fingers crossed.

Water levels are still too high for the average angler but much improved from yesterday.  The gauge on Little River is currently reading 3.07 feet or 799 c.f.s.  The daily normal flow is 275 c.f.s.  I expect that most streams are still flowing off color.

Water temperatures maintained overnight.  This morning the water temps are still hovering around 50F.  

With the exception of today, the weather forecast is calling for a nice week.  We are going to get a break from the rain until next weekend.  Overnight lows are going to be near freezing which will keep water temperatures from rising much.

If you were to venture out fishing today keep in mind that the streams are still high.  3 feet on the gauge is what I've always been told is a preferred level for the whitewater paddlers.  You can fish at that level but you have to take precautions and be prepared for a tough day of fishing.  Stay out of the water and be very choosy on your fishing locations.  

Heavy nymphs and streamers are going to be your best choices for what to fish.  High water is a great opportunity to fish streamers.  Because you are imitating fish or other non-bug creatures you are not bound by the challenges of the perfect drift.  You can cast the streamer across the flow and let it swing before retrieving it back.  Your results might be more limited on numbers but the possible payout of a much larger trout is there.

Leave the short 3wt at home if you are going to try your hand at streamer fishing.  This is a 5wt and bigger game.  Also, don't worry about a long delicate leader.  You need some strength and stiffness to turn over bigger flies.  Trout interested in eating streamers are generally much less leader shy.  

If spending your day casting and stripping streamers doesn't sound like your vibe then nymphs are your shot.  Long euro rods are perfect.  They will give you the reach to be able to access more of the stream from the bank.  Heavy flies and a long leader will help you to get down to the bottom where the trout will be sheltering out of the strong water flows.  Pat's Rubberlegs, heavy stonefly patterns, Perdigons etc are all good for seeking out those high water trout.

We've got some more great fly tyers for you this coming weekend.  On Saturday it will be Bill Boyd Jr and his grand daughter "Half Hitch".  on Sunday, Mike Wallace will be here.  Mike loves wet flies which are perfect patterns to be stocking up on for the early Spring hatches.

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.

Daniel Drake
February 12, 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