Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:44 am, the temperature in Townsend is 50 degrees.

It has been raining off and on all night. So far, a little over one half of an inch was recorded in Townsend. Showers and thunderstorms are likely today, especially this morning. It will be cloudy early before clearing later today. The high will be in the upper 50’s with a low tonight in the middle 30’s.

Tomorrow will be cooler with a high in the middle to upper 40’s and a low overnight in the low to middle 20’s. We do have a chance for showers tomorrow.

Sunday will be sunny and warmer with a high around 60 degrees and a low in the low 40’s.

Little River is flowing at 283 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.23 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 358 cfs. The water temperature is 48.0 degrees this morning.

Water temperatures are rising to within the trout’s preferred range. The streams are warmer in the lower elevations. Water levels in some streams are rising quickly, including Little River, Oconaluftee River and Cataloochee Creek. Others are rising slower. It is too early to tell what the water levels will look like when you wake up and prepare to go fishing in the mountains. Check the flow gauges before you go. Fish in the lower elevations where the water is warmer. Nymphs or weighted nymph rigs will probably work best for you. Be on the lookout for hatches.

Fishing for stocked trout in the low elevation rivers should be good today unless the rivers are blown out. After the rain passes through, if the rivers are still fishable, by all means go. This warmer water will turn the trout on. Use nymphs or streamers.

TVA and the Corps are still generating heavily and for long periods at many dams. There are exceptions and some opportunities for wade fishing on the tailwaters. Click on the TVA website to determine which of your nearby tailwaters can be waded and fished today. If you are boating, there are more options.

We have two great Free Fly Tying Demonstrations lined up for you this weekend.

Local fly fishing legend Ray Ball will be demonstrating tomorrow (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 23, 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