Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains.  The sun is currently shining and the birds chirping.  Rain is hopefully coming this afternoon.  The weather forecast isn't calling for a lot of rain so a good rain jacket should be all you need to enjoy the day in the mountains.

Water levels are low for this time of year.  The gauge on Little River is currently reading 1.77 feet or 121 c.f.s.  The daily normal is 227 c.f.s.  Water clarity is good.

Water temperatures dropped a little last night.  This morning the Little River is just over 60F.  

Rain is in the forecast for the next several days.  It is not calling for 100% on any day and rainfall amounts aren't high.  I wouldn't cancel plans just be prepared with proper attire.  The streams could use an infusion of water to get them back to where they should be at this time of year.

Overall, fishing reports have been good from the Smokies.  Bugs are hatching especially in the second half of the day.  The color has transitioned in the lighter colors of late Spring.  Tans and yellows are best for dry flies.  Start stocking your boxes with all the new Yellow Sally patterns we have in the Fly Bins.  The great thing with Spring and Summer flies in the Smokies is that being bright yellow they are easy to see on the water.  Be sure to have some smaller flies, size #16 - #18.  The trout have been favoring smaller sizes due to low water conditions.

TVA continues to run a pulse schedule on the East Tennessee tailwaters.  Be sure to check the website for flows before you plan your trip.  We haven't heard many reports from the tailwaters but lack of evidence isn't evidence of lack.  The last angler I talk to about the Holston River below Cherokee Dam said that fishing was very good.

If you head to the mountains today have a fun time.  Keep an ear and eye on the weather.  Be aware of the water flow in the river where you are fishing.  As we get to Summer the likelihood of a pop up thunderstorms in the mountains becomes more of an issue.  It can sunny where you are fishing but upstream it could come a frog strangler rain.  Stream levels can rise fast and without warning.

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

Daniel Drake
May 12, 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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