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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:51 am, the temperature is 74.3 degrees.
It will be sunny today and hot, with a high temperature in the low 90’s. Tomorrow will be more of the same with a chance for showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Sunday will be cooler. The high temperature will be in the low 80’s. Showers and thunderstorms are likely Sunday.
Little River is flowing at 151 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.82 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 209 cfs. The water temperature is 64.6 degrees.
Most if not all streams in the mountains are flowing lower than normal. Some streams rose slightly yesterday as some rain fell, but they receded quickly.
Water temperatures today and tomorrow may warm to 70 degrees in the low elevations which is not healthy for trout. Do the trout a favor and fish the higher elevations where the water is cooler. Or, fish early when the water is cooler in the low elevations.
Trout are actively feeding. Their metabolism is in high gear. Dry flies and nymphs will work for you.
Fishing for stocked trout in the rivers flowing out of the mountains is good. Go early when the water is cooler. Nymphs, streamers, squirmy worms, midge pupa and Green Weenies should work for you.
Warmwater species are active in the lowland rivers. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good in the lower stretches. Nymphs, streamers, foam floating flies and poppers will get their attention.
Lake fishing is good. I would launch at daybreak and cast to the banks with streamers, swimming nymphs, foam floating flies and poppers. As the sun rises higher, look for shaded banks to fish. It may be breezy at times today, with wind gusts up to 20 miles per hour predicted. You could wait and go tomorrow. It is not supposed to be windy tomorrow. But, the lakes will be crowded.
There will be pauses in the generation at many dams today. If you are planning to fish on a tailwater, you have lots of options. Careful planning is essential. Check the generation schedules on the TVA website from the links below.
This will be a good day to be fishing in the backcountry in the Smokies, or wading in a cold tailwater. I will be working today in a cool fly shop.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
May 20, 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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