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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 7:00 am, the temperature outside is 45 degrees.

Today will be sunny and very warm, possibly hitting 80 degrees. Tomorrow will be partly cloudy, with the high reaching the upper 70’s. We have a slight chance for thunderstorms Thursday, becoming more likely Thursday night. There is a 50% chance for showers Friday, then Saturday will be sunny with a high in the mid-70’s.

Little River is flowing at 671 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.95 feet on the flow gauge. Median flow for this date is 244 cfs. The water temperature is 55.4 degrees this morning.

Little Pigeon River is flowing at 1,350 cfs, 3.14 feet, compared to median flow for the date of 474 cfs.

Tellico River is flowing at 651 cfs, 2.46 feet, compared to median flow of 289 cfs.

Oconaluftee River’s flow is 1,450 cfs, 3.05 feet, compared to median flow of 551 cfs. The water temperature is 52.9 degrees.

Cataloochee Creek is flowing at 364 cfs, 3.41 feet, compared to median flow of 116 cfs. The water temperature is 49.8.

Water temperatures are trending up, which is a good condition that will improve fishing significantly. The trout will be actively feeding, especially later this afternoon.

Water flows are still high, some being almost three times median flow. The streams are receding. We consider a gauge reading at the Little River gauge in Townsend, of 2.5 feet, to be on the high side of good. It’s getting close, about 6 more inches.

I think fishing will be good today and through the week, depending on how much rain we get Thursday night. The streams may be swifter than you are used to fishing, so be careful wading.

What we have are very good nymphing conditions. I would fish with heavily weighted nymphs, getting them down close to the streambed. Short line nymphing or “high sticking” is a good tactic to use when the stream flows are higher. You can fish closer, without using a strike indicator. The trout will be less spooky and less likely to see you when the water is higher.

This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about short line nymphing. And, you might catch some really nice trout under these conditions.

You may see some bugs on the water. Dry fly fishing is a possibility. My choice under these conditions would be a Yellow Stimulator.

You may have some good fly fishing opportunities on the Clinch and Holston tailwaters. Check the TVA website to be sure. Yesterday they were testing equipment at Norris Dam. They may do that again today. Right now, they do not mention it on the web page.

Floating for smallmouth bass is good on some tailwaters. Or, you can wade fish in some areas for smallies.

The lowland rivers are still flowing high. If you plan to wade and fish for smallmouth bass and rock bass, pick your spots to wade.

Lake fishing in shallow water using fly tackle is good, but you will need to be there now or go later today for the best fishing. The sun will be shining bright today. Tomorrow may be partially overcast. That might be better than today.

Fishing is looking up around here. Warm days and receding water are both welcome.

Daniel told me yesterday, our new Tenkara class is half full and it won’t be held until June 29th. If you are interested in taking this class, you should probably sign up soon. The class is limited to 10 students. It will be taught by a seasoned expert, Rob Worthing, from Lexington, Kentucky. You can learn more about this class by CLICKING HERE.

Our two Euro Nymphing classes have filled. We will probably schedule more of those classes later this year. All of our classes are filling fast this Spring.

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

Byron Begley
April 23, 2019

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com