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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is overcast and cooler this morning here at the Shop. Rain fell overnight giving the stream levels a bump but the weather sites only give a small chance for more rain today.

The stream flow gauge on Little River is giving a reading of 2.24 feet or 303 c.f.s. This is very close to the daily normal of 253 c.f.s. I didn't get the chance to look at the water clarity but if it is stained it will clear quickly. Water temperatures are still stable at 60F.

We heard some good reports from anglers who had been out on the river yesterday. Most were fishing dry flies but others used nymphs. Good dries right now are Parachute Adams, Purple Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Light Cahills, Rob's Hellbender, Stimulators and Sulphurs. Nymphs fished as a dropper is a good way also.

The area tailwaters have been fishing good. Fishing on the Clinch could be very good today. Always check the TVA site or phone number before making the drive.

Smallmouth fishing is starting to heat up. Gary Troutman of Frontier Anglers has been posting some pictures that makes me want to break out the 6wt and head to the warmwater. Fishing for them has still not turned on completely as the rivers aren't as warm as ideal. It won't be long and the fishing is going to be fantastic. Right now you will want to use streamers for the smallmouth but soon the topwater bite will be on. (Good thing we just got a large shipment from Booglebugs).

Warmwater flyfishing has really gained popularity over the last 5 or so years. For a long time people assumed that fly fishing was only for trout. That is so not true. One of my favorite species to fish for is the much overlooked Bluegill. I refer to all of the sunfish as bluegill (I grew up in the midwest so I hadn't heard the term Bream till I moved down here.) Maybe it is because they are found in common places like city parks and local ponds that anglers don't give these fish the credit they deserve. There is a large variety of actual species. The color variations of bream is amazing. I especially like the big ones that get the turquoise on their heads and bright orange on their bellies.
Bream are hard fighting fish too. If you hook into a big one on a light rod you are in for a battle. For fish without must in the way of teeth, they will destroy a fly. This is why poppers are a good choice. Poppers can be very effective and they are much more durable than a trout fly. It is hard to beat a chartreuse or black popper in the evening.

If you get the chance to get out today head to the mountains or the tailwaters. If you don't have enough time to make the drive try that pond you have been driving by for years but never stopped at.

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

Daniel Drake
May 6, 2018  

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