Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:43 am, the temperature in Townsend is 22 degrees.

It will be warmer now, gradually warming all week. Today will be mostly sunny with a high temperature in the middle 50’s and a low tonight in the low 30’s.

Tomorrow will be sunny and warmer with a high in the low 60’s dropping to only the low 40’s overnight.

Little River is flowing at 315 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.31 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 385 cfs. The water temperature is 39.0 degrees this morning.

Stream levels in the mountains are great. Most are flowing slightly below normal. The issue right now is water temperatures. The streams are very cold this morning. They will be somewhat warmer later today. I would go then. Don’t expect too much trout activity. Fish in the low elevations where the water is warmer. Weighted nymphs or nymph rigs will work best for you.

Fishing for stocked trout in the lowland rivers will be better later today when the water is warmer. Nymphs, midge pupa, egg patterns, squirmy worms or streamers are good fly choices.

TVA and the Corps are planning to generate at most dams all day. I saw a couple with scheduled breaks. Check the TVA website to see  what you think. If you are boating there are more options.

We are very busy at the shop. Many customers are planning for Spring fly fishing which is probably not far off. Fly tyers are busy stocking up on flies.  

There are two more weekends with planned Free Fly Tying Demonstrations left this Winter. Local legend Ray Ball will be demonstrating Saturday February 24th from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Ray is a mountain man who has been fly fishing and fly tying in the Smokies for decades. He is excellent at both. Ray’s humor is beyond compare. You don’t want to miss this one.

On Sunday February 25th, Cody Fisher will be tying  between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Cody is the owner of Tellico Outfitters, a great fly shop located in Tellico Plains, Tennessee. Cody will be sharing some of his favorite patterns with you. Cody is a nice guy who has much tying and guiding experience.  

Walter Babb will be tying on Saturday March 2nd and Chris Bean will be demonstrating on Sunday March 3rd.

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 19, 2024

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