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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:52 am, the temperature is 61.3 degrees.
Scattered thunderstorms blew through the area yesterday. One dropped .89 inches of rain in Townsend quickly. Little rain fell in other areas nearby due to the scattered nature of the storms.
It will be partly sunny today and tomorrow with a chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms. The high temperature will be in the low 80’s each day. Lows at night will hover around 60 degrees.
Little River is flowing at 256 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.16 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 227 cfs. The water temperature is 59.7 degrees this morning.
Most streams in the mountains were not affected by the rainfall yesterday. Water levels are very close to normal. Little Pigeon River is rising slightly at the Sevierville gauge. That should be temporary. There is a chance some streams will rise this weekend and could be stained temporarily. The chance for that happening is low.
Water temperatures are very good at most elevations. Fishing for trout in the mountains is good. Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs. The best dry fly choice is one or more patterns that mimic the Yellow Sally Stonefly, size #16. Your sub-surface choices should include Squirmy Worms and possibly Green or Pink Weenies. Most reasonable nymphs will work.
Fishing for stocked trout in the rivers flowing out of the mountains is good. Nymphs, small streamers, Squirmy Worms and midge pupa will get the trout’s attention.
Fishing the lowland rivers for smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish is good. The fish are taking foam floating flies, nymphs, streamers and crayfish patterns. Drifting foam floating flies in the deeper pools is working well now that the rivers have warmed.
Lake fishing for all species in shallow water has improved. Game fish and panfish are taking foam floating flies, poppers, streamers and swimming nymphs. There may be many pleasure boaters on the lakes this weekend. Go early or late when the sun is off the water and to avoid boat traffic. As the sun rises, look for shaded banks to fish in the late morning if you go then.
You have many tailwater fishing options today. There will be long pauses in the generation schedules with occasional pulsing at most dams for about one hour. I have heard good reports from tailwater anglers.
Overall, fishing conditions are excellent in the Tennessee River Valley. We are very busy at the shop. Fly fishing anglers are scattered right now, because there are so many excellent fishing options.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
May 14, 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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