Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:32 am, the temperature in Townsend is 65 degrees.

It will be mostly cloudy and breezy today with a high temperature around 70 degrees. There is a chance for rain though no heavy rainfall is predicted. Tonight’s low temperature will be around 60 degrees.

We can expect rain tomorrow with a high in the low 60’s. New rainfall may amount to between a quarter and half of an inch. Rain is likely tomorrow night with a low in the middle 20’s.

Little River is flowing at 271 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.20 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 335 cfs. The water temperature is 48.2 degrees this morning.

Streams in the mountains that have USGS gauge sites are all flowing lower than normal. Water temperatures have been climbing to the low end of good fishing levels. In the low elevations, water temperatures are in the upper 40’s and they may warm further today. I think fishing will be fair to good today. And, there is a chance you may see some aquatic insects adults. If you go today, fish in the low elevations where the water is warmer. Nymphs and weighted nymph rigs are a good start. If you see insect activity, switch to emergers, wet flies or dry flies. Blue Wing Olives may be active.

Fishing for stocked trout in the low elevation rivers is good due to the warmer water conditions. Try nymphs, squirmy worms, midge pupa, egg patterns or streamers.

 TVA and the Corps will be generating all the day at most of their dams. There are a few exceptions. Check South Holston, Tims Ford and Chatuge.

We will have a couple of colder nights later this week, then a warming trend will return this weekend. Spring fly fishing is probably not far off.

We are waiting for water temperatures to reach and sustain 50 degrees. The old timers say, “When the water temperature reaches 50 degrees for three consecutive days, the Spring hatches will begin”. But, we have seen the Spring hatches begin when the water temperature is in the high 40’s. The trout will see Quill Gordons, Blue Quills, Blue Wing Olives and other aquatic insect adults on the water and mating.

The trout’s metabolism is driven by water temperature. At 50 degrees, the fish are hungry and feeding.

We are busy at the shop and having a very good February. Our customers sense the coming of Spring and they are getting ready.

 This coming weekend will be the last of our Winter Free Fly Tying Demonstrations until Fall.

Saturday will feature Walter Babb, who will be tying between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Just about everyone around here has heard of or met Walter. Many of you have been taught fly tying and beginner fly fishing by Walter at our school. Walter has been fly fishing in the mountains for over 60 years. He is an incredible fly tyer. He is also a bamboo rod maker who creates magnificent works of art used for fly fishing.

Chris Bean will be demonstrating Sunday between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Chris grew up fishing in the Smoky Mountains. He loves chasing big brown trout. He is a full time fly fishing guide working at Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain. Chris is an extremely knowledgeable fly fisherman and fly tyer. You will learn by spending a couple of hours with him.  

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 27, 2024

WALTER BABB BAMBOO RODS FOR SALE - Buy directly from Walter. CLICK HERE for more information.

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com