Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. Expect traffic in Townsend today.  Apart from it being the weekend, the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Fest is happening at the Townsend Visitor Center.  

River levels on Little River are low for this time of year.  This morning the gauge is reading 1.80 feet or 127 c.f.s.  The daily normal is 269 c.f.s.  Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow through the rest of the week so that will bring water levels back up.  

Water temperatures are in good shape.  This morning the water was up to about 56F.  Next week the overnight low air temperatures will be warmer and warm rain will bring water temps up.  This should help to increase trout feeding activity. 

Due to the low water levels the trout are spooky and pickier than usual for this time of year.  Fly pattern colors are transitioning lighter and more yellow.  Light Cahill, Sulphur patterns, Yellow Adams, Smoky Mountain Candy as well as any Yellow Sally pattern are working well for dry flies.  If you are going today, be sure to have some small flies in your box.  #16 and #18 are what the trout have been wanting.  Most years we are fishing bigger flies but not this week.

Be stealthy.  Stay low and out of sight.  As always keep moving.  Lower elevation streams have been fishing well.  There will likely be a lot of people in the Smokies today so bring your patience and just try to enjoy your section of stream.  

Starting tomorrow there is rain on the forecast for almost every day.  Chances are not 100% and it isn't calling for large amounts so it should do more to help fishing than hurt it.  If you like streamer fishing this could be your week.  Some of the best conditions can be a warm rain that muddies the waters some, brings water levels up and makes the water temps spike.  That can get the trout in the lower elevations very excited.  It could be time to dust off the 6wt and tie on some Game Changers.

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

Daniel Drake
May 6, 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.

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