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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:40 am, the temperature is 55.6 degrees.
It will be cooler today with a high temperature in the upper 70’s. We have a chance for showers today with possible thunderstorms rolling in this afternoon. There is a chance for showers and thunderstorms tomorrow and Sunday. Highs will be in the low 80’s both days.
Little River is flowing at 222 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.06 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 225 cfs. The water temperature is 61.0 degrees this morning.
Most streams in the Smokies are flowing right at normal and a good fishing levels. Trout are active and fishing is very good.
Dry flies and nymphs will produce for you. A Yellow Sally Stonefly imitation is a very good choice for your dry fly. A #16 Yellow Stimulator mimics the insect well. Small bead had nymphs will work. Try a Pheasant Tail or Hare’s Ear pattern. Green Weenies might produce for you. The inchworms they mimic are active in the lower elevations.
Stocked trout are active in the rivers flowing out of the mountains and fishing for them is good. The rivers are flowing right at normal. Trout will be taking nymphs, midge pupa, squirmy worms and small streamers.
Further downstream in these rivers, fly fishing for smallmouth bass and other species is good. Nymphs, streamers and crayfish patterns will work for you. You might try foam floating flies and poppers. If you are fishing in a river with little to no tree canopy, providing shade, fishing will be best early or late.
Fly fishing on the lakes for bass and panfish is improving. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill and shellcrackers will be spawning soon, if they are not already. Streamers and swimming nymphs will work for sure. You may do well with foam floating flies and poppers. Fishing in shallow water is best on overcast days or early and late when the sun is off the water.
I have heard for years, bluegill begin spawning in our region when the moon is full in May. The moon will reach the full phase Monday. It seems to me, the moon is full enough now.
TVA and the Corps of Engineers are offering tailwater anglers ample time to fish lower water at most dams in the region today. Visit the TVA website to plan your tailwater fishing day.
I don’t see how we could ask for better overall fly fishing conditions in the Tennessee River Valley than we have right now.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
May 13, 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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