Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is 6:00 and .

The mountains must have be spared the rain last night that fell in other parts of Blount County.  Water levels on Little River are still much too high for fishing.  This morning the gauge is giving a reading of 3.73 feet or 1,340 c.f.s.  Water levels like this don't leave much of any options for places to go.  A few very determined anglers I know may find a few pockets along Little River to cast into but those pockets are few and far between.  

On a brighter note, water temperatures are good.  This morning the Little River is about 53F.  Temperatures have been in the 50's for a while now causing the Spring hatches to have begun.

Anglers have been seeing a good amount of bug activity on the streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The large mayflies you see should be Quill Gordons.  They range in size from a #10 - #12.  These mayflies live their lives in riffled water but as they emerge they will be washed down into pools where the water is calmer and easier for them to make it to the surface.  If you are wanting to fish a Quill Gordon hatch, find a calm pool downstream of a section of pocket water.  Blue Quills are also hatching.  These blue grey mayflies are much smaller than the Gordons.  Blue Quills are going to be in the #16 - #20 size range. The fly patterns can be difficult to see on the water due to the fly color and size. I would use a parachute style fly to make seeing the fly easier.

In addition to these mayflies there will also be a variety of caddis and stoneflies hatching.  Elk Hair caddis patterns are an excellent fly to cover these different hatches.

The weather forecast today is calling for storms and high winds.  Falling trees has become greatest fear of officials at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  It isn't unfounded.  Many of the trees are aging and falling limbs can cause major problems on roads and trails.  As a result, over the past few years, Park officials have been much more likely to close roads ahead of high wind periods to prevent accidents and damage.  You can find up to date road information on Twitter @SmokiesRoadsNPS.  You don't need a Twitter account to see the info if you are using a computer.  

As of 7:00 am, US 441 Newfound Gap Road is closed due to high winds.

If more rain falls today fishing won't be a possibility in the mountains tomorrow either. There may be some fishing opportunities at a few of the tailwaters.  South Holston, Wautaga, and Holston Rivers may have fishable flows.  The Clinch is running full generation though.    

Tomorrow is the last day of our Winter Fly Tying Demos.  Walter Babb and Ray Ball are going to be on hand.  We are expecting a big crowd of folks.  Both Walter and Ray are local legends.  Both a great fly tyers but even more they are a wealth of knowledge and stories about fly fishing in the mountains.  They will be in the Shop from 10 am till 2 pm.  

You do not need a reservation. Just show up at the shop.

Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.

Daniel Drake
March 3, 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