Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:43 am, the temperature is 54 degrees.

It will be cloudy early today before clearing later with a high temperature in the low 70’s, dropping to the low 40’s tonight. There is a slight chance for showers this morning.

Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy with a high in the low 60’s and a low overnight in the low 30’s. Wednesday will be sunny with a high in the low 60’s and a low in the middle 30’s.

Little River is flowing at 344 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.43 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 334 cfs. The water temperature is 54.0 degrees.

Most streams in the mountains are flowing near normal this morning, though Tellico River is flowing somewhat higher than normal. Water temperatures are within the trout’s preferred range in the low to middle elevations.

Trout will be active where the water is warmer. Aquatic and terrestrial insects are active, giving trout the food they seek. If you go today, be ready for anything. The fish will be taking nymphs, emergers or dry flies. A dry fly with a nymph dropper is a good choice. You may also do well using a weighted nymph rig.

Fishing for stocked trout in the low elevation rivers is good thanks to the warmer water conditions we have now. Sub-surface flies will likely work best for you. Try weighted nymphs or tandem nymph rigs, squirmy worms, egg patterns, emergers, midge pupa or small streamers.

Fishing for smallmouth bass in the lowland rivers will be fair. As the water warms further today, the bass may become more active. Weighted nymphs or streamers will likely work best for you.

I have not heard any news about fly fishing on the lakes lately. Smallmouth bass could be moving into shallower water to spawn, depending on the water temperature in the lake you plan to fish. That usually happens when the water temperature exceeds 50 degrees. In the early Spring, I have found smallies on the rocky banks, especially around riprap. A very large weighted black Wooly Bugger would be my fly choice for early Spring. Actually, that is my favorite sub-surface steamer most of the year during the warmer months.

There are breaks in the generation planned at many dams today. Tailwater anglers have a lot of choices whether you are wading or boating. Check the TVA website from the links below to see what is scheduled at your favorite tailwater.

The long term weather forecast is encouraging. After a couple of cold nights Tuesday and Wednesday, we will enjoy Spring-like weather through April 10th. It looks like we have a good chance for rain most days through the period.

We are seeing wild turkeys preparing to mate at our house. Gobblers and older jakes are fanning and strutting. Apparently, the wild turkey population is in decline in Tennessee and other southeastern states. Biologists are not sure why. Evidently, there have been less poults surviving to become adults. This year, the hunting season will open later than in prior years. Also, the bag limit has been reduced. Read a good and informative article about this situation on the Realtree website by CLICKING HERE.

We have not seen one black bear at our house this year, which is unusual.

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

Byron Begley
March 27, 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