Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:47 am, the temperature in Townsend is 53 degrees.

It rained here overnight, accumulating to .20 inches so far. Rain will continue today before tapering off this afternoon and evening. Heavy rainfall is possible. The high temperature will be around 60 degrees with a low tonight in the upper 40’s.

Tomorrow will be partly sunny with a high near 70 degrees and a low overnight in the upper 40’s.

More rain is expected Friday and Friday night. Rainfall may be heavy. The high temperature will be in the upper 60’s with a low in the low 50’s.

Little River is flowing at 387 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.38 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 429 cfs. The water temperature is 52.5 degrees this morning.

Streams in the Smokies are flowing very close to normal. All streams that have USGS gauge sites are slowly rising. Water temperatures in the low to middle elevations are within the trout’s preferred range, day and night.

I have heard reports from anglers who say fishing is good. And I have heard other reports of slow fishing. It is usual to hear both, especially in the early Spring. One customer yesterday reported seeing a Quill Gordon hatch but with no trout rising to the adults. Maybe today will be the day.

If you go fishing in the Smokies today, stay in the lower to middle elevations where the water is warmer. Be ready for anything. Nymphs will work. If there is a significant hatch, dry flies or wet flies should work. Try a Quill Gordon dry fly with a Quill Gordon wet fly dropper.

Hopefully we won’t get heavy rain today or Friday.

Fishing for stocked trout is very good due to the normal flows and warmer water temperatures.

If you are thinking about fishing on a tailwater today, check the TVA website first. You will find all-day generation at most dams occurring with some early breaks until around daybreak. You could go early to some dams and position yourself downstream or launch a boat. There are just not many tailwater fishing options for wading anglers today.

We are holding a beginner fly tying class on Saturday March 23rd and there are currently 3 openings. This is an all-day class taught by Brian Courtney. The cost is $100 which includes the use of our tools and materials. We will also spring for lunch. It will be held in our classroom at the shop. If you are interested in taking this class call the shop at 865-448-9459 to reserve your spot.

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

Byron Begley
March 6, 2024

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

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com