Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 6:01 am, the temperature is 53 degrees.

We did not get the rain that was predicted overnight. However, rain is likely today. It will be cool, with a high around 60 degrees. We may get some rain showers early tonight with a low in the low 50’s.

Memorial Day will be mostly cloudy with a low chance for rain. It will be warmer, with a high in the low 70’s.

Little River is flowing at 114 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.74 feet on the gauge. The river is rising but not quickly. Median flow for this date is 276 cfs. The water temperature is 58.6 degrees this morning.

Most streams in the mountains are flowing low though some are rising this morning, including Oconaluftee River and Cataloochee Creek. They are rising quicker than Little River. It appears the rain last night was scattered.

If you go fishing today, take a rain jacket. It should be overcast, which is a good condition. Most streams may be flowing low, though some could rise to near normal. Water temperatures are within the trout’s preferred range at all elevations.

Try a dry and dropper rig, weighted nymphs or a lone dry fly.

Fishing for stocked trout in the low elevation rivers may be good today. We would normally expect swimming and tubing activity on Memorial Day weekend. But, it will be cool today so maybe that will not be the case. Try weighted nymphs, squirmy worms or midge pupa.

Fishing in the lowland rivers for smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish may also be good today. It will be overcast. Some rivers are flowing low, so you will probably do best fishing the deeper runs and pools. But, you may find the fish in shallower water too if it is in fact cloudy. Nymphs, streamers, foam floating flies and poppers are all good fly choices.

Normally, I would never go lake fishing on Memorial Day Weekend. But, it will be cloudy, cool and probably wet. That may discourage recreation boaters. If you go you may do well. Cast to the banks and cover with streamers, swimming nymphs, foam floating flies and poppers. Watch for surface feeding activity in the channels and open water. If you see that, tie on a threadfin shad pattern or a Clouser Minnow and see what happens.

Tailwater anglers have many choices today. There will be pauses in the generation with short pulsing at most dams. Norris Dam is an exception though you could get in some fishing time early with careful planning. Check the TVA website to see what tailwater options you have today.

We were busy at the shop yesterday. I think it was the busiest day we have had all year. That was probably the case at all Townsend businesses. There are a lot of local people and tourists in town.

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

Byron Begley
May 28, 2023

NOTICE: We are holding a Beginner Fly Tying Class all day on Saturday June 17th. We had one opening in the class but it may have been filled yesterday. I don’t know. Call the shop to find out. The cost for the day is $100, which includes the use of tools, materials and lunch. The class will be taught by Brian Courtney. Brian has been teaching our fly tying classes with Walter Babb for many years. This is a great opportunity for you to begin this incredible hobby. You will learn to tie 5 different trout patterns. This class will get you started. Call the shop at 865-448-9459 to book your spot in this class.

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.

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com