Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:50 am, the temperature in Townsend is 44 degrees.

Yesterday, the predicted low this morning was to be in the middle 30’s. It is much warmer than that but the temperature may drop more before daybreak.

We have a chance for rain and snow today, with a high temperature in the low 50’s. I can’t imagine it will snow today at this elevation. It will be breezy again today. The low temperature tonight could be in the low 30’s with a chance for rain or snow.

We have a slight chance for sprinkles or flurries tomorrow with a high in the low 50’s and a low overnight in the low 30’s.

Some streams in the Smokies rose to fairly high levels yesterday but most have receded to fishable levels now. I talked to some customers yesterday who told me the rivers in Cherokee were too high to wade. They were planning to fish there today so they should be fine.

Little River is flowing at 336 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.27 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 380 cfs. The water temperature is 50.9 degrees this morning.

Water temperatures are falling. I think the temperatures in the low elevations will drop into the 40’s by daybreak. If you go fishing today, you might want to wait until the water temperature bottoms out. Fish in the low elevations where the water is warmer. Trout will be taking nymphs for sure.

Fishing for stocked trout will be good today, but probably best later this afternoon. Nymphs, egg patterns, squirmy worms, midge pupa or streamers are good fly choices.

Fishing for trout on a tailwater is a good idea. There are breaks in the generation planned at many dams today creating wade and boat fishing opportunities.

Center Hill Dam is not one of them. Lately, they have been churning water there all day. I don’t know why. The lake level at Center Hill is 7.5 feet below full pool. That compares to Dale Hollow Lake at 7.9 feet below full pool. The Corps is pausing the generators often at Dale Hollow recently. You can go to the Caney Fork early and begin fishing downriver until the water rises later in the morning.

Check the TVA website to view the planned generation schedules before you go.

We are holding a Beginner Fly Tying Class on Saturday April 27th. If you are interested in taking up this fascinating hobby, here is your chance. The cost of the class is $100 which includes the use of our tools, all materials and lunch. This is an all-day class that will be taught by Brian Courtney. To book your spot, call the shop at 865-448-9459.

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

Byron Begley
April 4, 2024

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

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com