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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. Clouds are making a very pretty sunrise this morning. It is cool right now at 68 but today is starting a warm stretch of weather with temperatures getting close to 90. I know for me that this will be the start of wet wading season.

The streamflow gauge on Little River is giving a reading of 1.89 feet or 181 c.f.s. This is just lower than the daily normal of 218 c.f.s. The streams are flowing clear. Water temperatures didn't drop as much last night and this morning the thermometer is reading 61F.

The weather forecast for the next week looks good albeit a bit warm. This afternoon there is a chance for thunderstorms but they should be scattered. The rest of the week should be dry and warm. As we get closer the summer it is important to keep an eye on the stream condtions while fishing. If you notice a change in water clarity be ready to get out of the stream to the trail or road side. Thunderstorms can pop up in the mountains without notice and dump a lot of water into a stream. This can cause flash floods.

Dry flies are working well in the mountains. Lighter colors would be my main choice. Light Cahill, Sulphurs, Yellow Stimulators, Rob's Hellbenders, Elk Hair Caddis, etc. The sizes are going to range #12 to #16. Fish them at the edges of the faster water. You definitely want to be in the current but not in the hard whitewater. Remember to keep your casts fairly short and keep as much line as you can off the water. This is going to help you get a better drift. A couple of cast to each spot and keep moving.

If you see a trout come up to your fly but not eat it, try a smaller size. If you aren't seeing any topwater activity it is better to switch to a nymph because they aren't feeding on the surface.

Unless you have a boat, the Holston looks like the only tailwater to be fishing today. The Clinch has one generator turned on from 7am till midnight. Years ago Byron looked into what it would take to sell driftboats at the Shop. We were amazed at how many boats Hyde shipped to the Southeast every month. Ultimately we didn't see the numbers working out so no drift boats.

Warm weather should cause the smallmouth fishing to really turn on. We've seen an uptick in orders for Booglebugs and other poppers. Anglers are looking ahead to some fun topwater action. There is something thrilling about watching a fish of any kind eat a lure on the surface.

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

Daniel Drake
May 10, 2018  

Respond to: info@littleriveroutfitters.com 

We have an Aquatic Entomology Class scheduled. It is going to be on Saturday June 16. The price is just $100 for this all day class. Space is limited so give us a call to get your name on the roster. 865-448-9459.