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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 5:05 am, the temperature is 59.2 degrees.
It will be sunny today and tomorrow with a high temperature in the low 80’s and lows in the middle 50’s. There is a 50% chance for showers and thunderstorms Friday and through the weekend.
Little River is flowing at 287 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.24 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 235 cfs. The water temperature is 58.6 degrees this morning.
All streams that have USGS gauge sites are reporting normal water levels. Water temperatures are very good. Fishing for trout in the Smokies is good.
We are telling customers to use Yellow Sally Stonefly dry flies. Hatches of these small stoneflies are significant right now. Nymphs will work too, if you prefer to use them. Water temperatures are well within the trout’s preferred range and the trout are actively feeding.
Fishing for stocked trout in the rivers flowing out of the mountains is good. Nymphs, midge pupa, small streamers, squirmy worms and mop flies will work.
Fishing for smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish is good in the lowland rivers. Nymphs, streamers and crayfish patterns will catch them. They may take foam floating flies or poppers as well.
Those of us who enjoy lake fishing with fly tackle will do best early or late when the sun is off the water. If you are targeting smallmouth bass, streamers or swimming nymphs are good fly choices. Cast along the rocky banks. I would also try foam floating flies to see if the bass and other species are interested.
There are many tailwater trout fishing options today as TVA and the Corps are planning long pauses in the generation schedules at most dams in the region. Fly fishing for smallmouth bass in the lower reaches of the tailwaters could be good now. I don’t know that for a fact. It’s worth a shot. Try streamers.
We are blessed with excellent fishing conditions in the Tennessee River Valley. Now is the time to go fishing and you have many choices.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
May 11, 2022
IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THE CANEY FORK TROUT FISHERY BELOW CENTER HILL DAM!
The US Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public input as they are planning to update their Water Control Manual for Center Hill Dam. The manual was last updated in 1998. David Knapp, who guides on the Caney Fork and other rivers, brought this to my attention.
According to David, the current manual requires only one hour of generation during a 48 hour period, which is not enough to provide cold water during the warm months. Years ago, before the dam was repaired, seepage helped maintain much needed cool water that is essential for a sustainable trout fishery. David says that is not the case now. If you love fishing the Caney Fork River tailwater, you should look into this and get involved.
The Corps will be holding a public meeting to discuss changes for the new manual on Thursday May 26th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Smith County Agricultural center in Carthage, Tennessee.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com
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