Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:50 am, the temperature in Townsend is 27 degrees.

It will be sunny today with a high in the low to middle 60’s and a low tonight in the low 40’s.

Tomorrow will be partly sunny and breezy with a chance for showers in the afternoon. The high temperature will be in the middle 60’s with a low in the middle 40’s overnight. There is a 100% chance for showers tomorrow night and it will be breezy. Around a half an inch is expected.

Little River is flowing at 256 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.16 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 351 cfs. The water temperature is 41 degrees this morning.

Most streams are flowing lower than normal but at good fishing levels. Water temperatures are slowly rising and that trend will continue today and tomorrow. What we would like to see are water temperatures in the high 40’s, like we had last week. Trout will become more active as the water warms. Fishing will improve.

If you go today, fish in the lower elevations where the water is warmer. Fishing will be better later in the day when the water is warmer. Nymphs or weighted nymph rigs will work best for you, at least for now.

Fishing for stocked trout will improve as the rivers warm today and tomorrow. I have heard reports from anglers who have done very well fishing in Gatlinburg. I saw a video this morning on the Gatlinburg Trout Facility Facebook page of a youngster catching a “Huge” trout on a fly rod. Check it out.

TVA and the Corps continue to generate for long periods at many dams. I did notice planned pauses at Chatuge, Dale Hollow and Wilbur dams today. Check the TVA website before you go. These schedules are subject to change. Water managers are trying to keep the lake levels low to create water storage capacity this Spring.

We have been busy at the shop helping customers prepare for Spring. It won’t be long.  

There are two more weekends with planned Free Fly Tying Demonstrations left this Winter. Local fly fishing legend Ray Ball will be demonstrating Saturday February 24th from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Ray is a 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 21, 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