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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:48 am, the temperature is 63.9 degrees.
It will be cooler today, with a high temperature in the middle 80’s. We have a chance for showers and thunderstorms today and tonight. Strong winds are possible in some storms. It will be much cooler tomorrow, with a high in the middle 70’s. Showers and thunderstorms are likely tomorrow. Heavy rain is possible. The chance for rain continues every day through Thursday this week.
Little River is flowing at 129 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.73 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 193 cfs. The water temperature is 66.5 degrees this morning.
Streams in the mountains are flowing lower than normal for this time of the year. The expected rain this week will be a blessing. Water temperatures are warm in the low elevations. Do the trout a favor and fish higher where the water is cooler. Look for water temperatures in the middle 60’s.
Trout and aquatic insects are active. Stealth is very important to your success. Dress to blend with the forest so you are less likely to be seen by the trout.
Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs. A yellow sally stonefly imitation is a good dry fly to use. My choice would be a #16 yellow Stimulator. There are many yellow sally dries to choose from. Small bead head nymphs, squirmy worms and inchworm patterns will work for your sub-surface offering.
Fishing for stocked trout in the rivers flowing out of the mountains is good. Go early when the water is cooler. Nymphs, squirmy worms, midge pupa, inchworm patterns and small streamers will work for you.
Smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish are active in the lowland rivers. They love this warmer water. Have an assortment of nymphs, streamers, crayfish patterns, poppers and foam floating flies in your vest or pack.
Wherever you decide to fish in the freestone rivers and streams, you might encounter rising and stained water over the next few days.
The lakes will probably be crowded with pleasure boaters today. Start fishing early, at daybreak. Cast streamers, swimming nymphs, foam floating flies and poppers to the banks. When the sun gets higher, look for shaded banks to fish. It may be overcast today which is beneficial. Watch for thunderstorms, which could contain strong winds.
There are pauses in the generation planned at many dams today with pulsing mixed in. By planning carefully, you should be able to fish on several tailwaters if you are wading, and more if you are boating. Check the TVA website from the links below to plan your tailwater fishing day.
We are having a very busy May at the shop. May is usually our best month of the year. So far, this May has been exceptional. I have talked to a lot of customers who are planning to travel this year, out west and to the coast to fish. They are preparing.
Most of the customers I talk to are shopping in the fly tying department on the second level of the store. Many are new customers who have heard about our vast fly tying selection. People drive long distances to shop for hooks, beads, tools and materials. I really enjoy helping them. I also enjoy keeping the department stocked.
Dave does a heck of a job managing the fly department. We are selling a ton of flies, in the store and online. Running an excellent fly department like he does is essential to the success of the whole store. After all, we are a fly shop. Customers expect a good fly selection and they find it here.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
May 22, 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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