Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:39 am, the temperature is 65 degrees.

Today will be mostly sunny and warm, with a high temperature in the upper 80’s. Showers and thunderstorms are likely tonight. New precipitation between a half and three quarters of an inch are possible.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely tomorrow. It will be mostly cloudy with a high in the low 80’s. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and a half of an inch are possible.

According to the National Weather Service, some storms may be strong to severe.

Little River is flowing at 162 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.88 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 129 cfs. The water temperature is 67.3 degrees. The water temperature peaked yesterday at 70 degrees, at 4:30 pm. This reading was recorded at the low elevation USGS gauge site near Townsend.

Streams in the Smokies are flowing very close to normal or median flow for this date. The water is warm in the low elevations and will be become warmer later today. Fish in the higher elevations where the water temperature is in the middle 60’s or cooler.

Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs. Fishing with a dry and dropper rig is a good tactic. Trout will be hiding in the broken choppy water. Dress to blend with the forest to help avoid being seen by the trout.

Fishing for stocked trout in the low elevation rivers has been good. I have heard reports of good fishing for stocked trout in Townsend which is unusual during July. Nymphs are likely working best. You may want to use smaller nymphs and light tippet.

Fishing for smallmouth bass and warmwater species is good in the lowland rivers. Most rivers in our area are flowing at normal levels. Streamers, crayfish patterns, foam floating flies and poppers are all good fly choices.

The lakes will be crowded with recreation boaters and anglers today. It will be sunny. Winds will be calm. I would launch at daybreak to avoid the crowds and get in some fishing time while the sun is low. Hit the dimly lit banks with streamers, swimming nymphs, foam floating flies or poppers. As the sun rises higher, find shaded areas to fish. If you are not able to find shade, use weighted streamers or swimming nymphs fished deep.

There are many tailwater fishing options today. You can work with the generation schedules at most dams. The Cinch River Cleanup will be held today. Volunteers will be removing tires and trash. They will be wading, walking along the banks and working from boats. You can read more about the cleanup below. Check the TVA website from the links below to see what tailwater fishing options you have today and develop a plan.

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

Byron Begley
July 8, 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