Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 5:17 am, the temperature is 69.3 degrees.
Showers and thunderstorms are likely today, especially this afternoon and evening. The high temperature will be in the middle to upper 80’s. Heavy rain and high winds are possible in some storms. We have a slight chance for thunderstorms early tomorrow then a higher chance in the afternoon. Expect a high temperature around 90 degrees tomorrow.
Little River is flowing low, at 74.5 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.48 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 130 cfs. The water temperature is 71.6 degrees this morning at the low elevation USGS gauge site near Townsend.
Some streams in the mountains are flowing lower than normal while others are not. Tellico River is flowing right at normal. Cataloochee Creek was affected by a thunderstorm late yesterday and rose quit high. The creek is receding quickly now. Davidson River was also affected by a thunderstorm late yesterday. The river is flowing higher than normal now and receding.
The streams are very warm in the low elevations, with water temperatures in the 70’s this morning. If you go fishing today, fish in the higher elevations where the water is cooler. You may want to hike into the backcountry to get away from the crowds in the mountains.
Dry flies and nymphs are catching trout. Try a yellow sally stonefly or terrestrial imitation for your dry fly with a small nymph or Green Weenie dropper.
Many lowland rivers are flowing low. Fishing for smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish is fair. Fish in the deep pools and runs using nymphs, streamers, poppers, foam floating flies and crayfish patterns. I would go early or late to avoid swimmers and tubers.
The lakes will be crowded with boaters today. If you decide to go fishing on a lake, go early, at daybreak. Fish the banks and cover using poppers, foam floating flies, streamers and swimming nymphs. As the sun rises, find shaded banks to fish. Be on the lookout for fish feeding on the surface, targeting schools of shad. When the sun is high later this morning, I would go home.
There are many tailwater fishing options today. There are generation schedules you can work with, at least early today. Visit the TVA website to pick a tailwater and plan your day.
I am seeing less traffic in Townsend than I would expect on the 4th of July holiday weekend. I am hearing the same from customers and friends who have visited other gateway towns. More holiday travelers are flying. Maybe less are driving.
I am going to be off today. The shop will be open today and tomorrow as usual. We were busy yesterday.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
July 3, 2022
Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com
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