Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains.  Another day begins to dawn in the the Southern Appalachians.  Each morning that the sun climbs above the ridge is one day closer to Spring dry fly fishing.  You can tell where my love lay.  I know that nymphing/Euro/tightline is the most efficient way to catch trout especially numbers of them.  There is just something about watching a soft cast roll out and that creation of fur, feathers, and time land on the water.  Watching it drift silently on the surface, a speck of serenity in a world of churning chaos.  Then a shadow lurks beneath it.  Darting, deciding, finally breaking through and grabbing the fly pulling it in.  

Back to the task at hand.  Water levels in the Little River system are getting better. They are still a little high but very workable today.  The gauge at the Townsend Wye is currently reading 2.64 feet or 488 c.f.s.  Normal for today is 318 c.f.s.  I can't see the stream right now but I expect it is flowing clear.

Water temperatures are up a little to 46.4 F.  It still needs to be warmer for the hatches to start in earnest.  

Some rain is in the forecast for late tonight.  The predicted rainfall amount is only supposed to be less than 1/2 an inch so that shouldn't cause too much trouble.  Can anyone explain how it can be dry all week while we are trapped in offices clicking away at Excel spreadsheets and it rains on the weekend?  Maybe we need a government pause on the calendar to shift the days back or forward causing the rain to now fall on Tuesday or Wednesday?

Water levels in the Smokies are still a little high but much more fishable.  You will still have to pick and choose spots but there will be many more to choose from.  I would still take advantage of the lesser amounts of visitors in the mountains and fish the lower elevation streams close to the roads.  These areas will be warmer and easier to access.

Nymph patterns continue to be the most productive.  Squirmy worms, Pat's Rubberlegs, Prince Nymphs etc.  Don't be shy with the weight.

Our Beginner Fly Tying Class for this weekend is full so if you missed out on signing up for it you are in luck.  Dave just scheduled another in March.  It is set for Saturday March 23.  The cost is $100 per student.  Space is limited and only a few spots are available so don't procrastinate.

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 16, 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.

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