Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:38 am, the temperature is 40 degrees.
Today will be sunny and warm, with a high temperature in the low 80’s and a low tonight in the upper 50’s. Heavy rain will move into the area tonight. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible. Rain is likely tomorrow and tomorrow night, with a high temperature in the upper 60’s and a low in the middle 50’s. Expect rain again Friday and overnight. It will be windy.
Little River is flowing at 458 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.60 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 337 cfs. The water temperature is 51.3 degrees this morning.
Most streams in the mountains are flowing higher than normal. One exception is Tellico River which is flowing right at normal. The streams and rivers are slowly receding. I talked to a few returning fishermen yesterday who complained about the higher water, but still caught trout.
Water temperatures are well within the trout’s preferred range in the lower elevations. The streams will warm further today. Trout are actively feeding. Aquatic insects are active. You will likely see Blue quills, quill gordons, stoneflies, caddis and other aquatic insects on the water at times. Trout are feeding on the adults insects. Fishing is good.
If you are planning a fishing trip to the Smokies this weekend, check the stream flows before you come. If we get as much rain as they say we could, the streams and rivers may be flowing too high to fish.
Fishing for stocked trout in the low elevation rivers is good. Due to the higher than normal flows, wading may be limited in some rivers. Water temperatures are good, so trout will be feeding on nymphs or other sub-surface flies, and they may be taking dry flies or emergers. Streamers might work for you as well.
Fishing for smallmouth bass will improve some today as the water warms. Streamers and nymphs will likely work best for you.
TVA and the Corps are attempting to lower the lake levels and have been for a while. They are also anticipating a possible heavy rain event this week. They will be generating at most dams today, as well as sluicing or spilling at some. I saw almost no good tailwater fishing options. Check the schedule at South Holston Dam. You might be able to work with that one.
Saturday will be our last Free Fly Tying Demonstration for the Winter season. Our featured fly tyers are Walter Babb and Ray Ball. They will be demonstrating their tying skills and entertaining you from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at the shop.
You should try to attend this event. Walter and Ray are both local fly fishing legends, having spent most of their life fly fishing in the Smoky Mountains. Believe me, they will have some stories to tell. You will enjoy your time with Walter and Ray. They will be demonstrating at different locations in the store.
You do not need a reservation. Just show up at the shop.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
March 1, 2023
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Parking Tags are now required to park your vehicle inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 15 minutes. Tags may be purchased at Visitors Centers, including the center in Townsend. Or, they may be purchased online. You can buy a daily, weekly or annual tag. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com
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