Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:48 am, the temperature is 71.1 degrees.
It is going to be hot and humid today and through Friday with high temperatures in the low 90’s. We are also under a heat advisory today with heat index values as high as 107. We have a chance for thunderstorms this afternoon with a greater chance every day through Sunday. It should be cooler Saturday and Sunday.
Little River is flowing at 76.3 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.49 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 139 cfs. The river is rising. The water temperature is 74.1 degrees at the USGS gauge site near Townsend.
Some streams in the mountains are flowing somewhat higher than normal after being affected by thunderstorms yesterday or overnight. They include Davidson River, Cataloochee Creek and Oconaluftee River. Those streams are receding back to normal.
Water temperatures are warm in the low elevations. Fish in the higher elevations where the water is cooler. Look for temperatures in the 60’s. This is a good time to be enjoying fishing in the backcountry. Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs.
Some lowland rivers are flowing very low. Others are not. Fishing for warm and cool water species is fair to good. Fish the deeper pools and runs for smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish. Poppers, foam floating flies, nymphs, streamers and crayfish patterns are all good fly choices.
This is going to be a hot day to be fishing on a lake. Launch early in the morning and fish the dimly lit banks with poppers, foam floating flies, streamers and swimming nymphs. As the sun rises, move to shaded banks to fish. Watch for gamefish feeding on shad near the surface while the sun is low.
There will be periods of no generation with occasional pulsing at most dams this morning. Tailwater anglers have many choices today. Most of the generation schedules indicate the turbines will be running this afternoon. With careful planning, you should be able to enjoy a day of tailwater fishing or at least much of the day. Check the TVA website to see what your options are.
Walker’s Catfish Cabin and BBQ restaurant in Townsend burned Monday night and the building was a total loss. Townsend Area Volunteer Fire Department personnel were hampered by heavy traffic in town as the 4th of July fireworks show was well attended. At least two fire fighters were treated for heat exhaustion. They had been working in the hot sun during the day, preparing for the fireworks show.
Paula drove the Gator down to the garden early yesterday morning to water and harvest. She was turning the Gator around, and a large bear walked out of the forest 25 to 50 feet away. The bear looked at her and continued to walk toward our house, not afraid of the noise from the ATV at all. She drove back to the house and waited an hour, before driving back to tend the garden.
We have seen this bear and so have our neighbors, often. It is a big one that looks to be very healthy and well fed. We have not heard of any aggressive behavior from this animal though it does not run away from people. He or she just always seems to be going somewhere and not in a big hurry.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
July 6, 2022
Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com
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