Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:38 am, the temperature is 70 degrees.

Thunderstorms moved through the Townsend area yesterday morning. Rainfall amounts of .38 inches and .59 inches were reported at two personal weather stations.

It will be partly cloudy today with a high temperature in the upper 80’s and a 30% chance for thunderstorms. Some storms could be strong to severe this weekend.

It will be warmer tomorrow, in the low 90’s, with a 50% chance for thunderstorms.

Monday’s high will be in the upper 80’s with a 40% chance for thunderstorms.

Little River is flowing at 167 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.90 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 118 cfs. The water temperature is 64.6 degrees this morning.

Most streams in the mountains are flowing near normal with some flowing higher. Most are at good fishing levels. Scattered thunderstorms are a normal possibility in July. When you are fishing, you should always be aware that a storm could raise water levels quickly. Watch for stained and rising water.

Fishing in the Smokies is very good. Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs. Try a Yellow Sally Stonefly dry fly imitation with a Green Weenie dropper.

Fishing for stocked trout is good in some rivers flowing out of the mountains. Weighted nymphs, small streamers, squirmy worms or midge pupa are among the list of good fly choices. Some of these low elevation rivers may be warm this weekend, especially later in the day.

Fishing for smallmouth bass and warmwater species is good in the lowland rivers. Most of these rivers are flowing at normal levels today. It is possible that scattered thunderstorms may temporarily stain or raise water levels. Cast streamers, crayfish patterns, foam floating flies or poppers and you should do well.

Lake fishing may be fine today but I would go early or late to avoid the holiday recreation boat traffic. Hit the banks and cover with streamers, swimming nymphs, foam floating flies or poppers. Watch for approaching thunderstorms.

There are generation schedules at some dams you can work with if you plan to fish on a tailwater today. I did see some schedules that call for longer periods of generation starting this morning or early afternoon and lasting through the day. Check the TVA website to see what tailwater fishing options you have today.

We have a lot of visitors in Townsend along with locals who are enjoying the mountains and our town. I noticed more traffic than usual yesterday. We expect that on the 4th of July weekend.

We had a very busy June, better than the same month last year. Our store is stocked well and our helpful friendly staff are here to serve you. We will be open every day this weekend and on the 4th of July.

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

Byron Begley
July 1, 2023

BIG CLINCH RIVER CLEANUP TO BE HELD SATURDAY JULY 8TH

The Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited is asking for help from the public, to join in and participate in this year’s annual river cleanup. During the past 25 years, volunteers have removed more than 6,000 tires and more than 10 tons of trash from the Clinch River Tailwater at this event. You can read more about the cleanup on the WBIR website by CLICKING HERE.

You can register as a volunteer on the Clinch River Chapter website by CLICKING HERE.

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