Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 5:26 am, the temperature is 68 degrees.

Rain fell overnight amounting to a quarter of an inch in Townsend and a third of an inch at the Knoxville Airport.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely today, mainly after 5:00 pm. It is predicted to be cloudy early before clearing later with a high temperature in the low 80’s. Showers and thunderstorms are likely tonight.

It will be mostly sunny tomorrow with a high in the low 80’s and a slight chance for thunderstorms.

Little River is flowing at 149 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.83 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 131 cfs. The water temperature is 68.5 degrees this morning. Little River peaked at 70.7 degrees yesterday at 5:30 pm. This reading is taken that the low elevation USGS gauge site near Townsend.

Most streams in the mountains are flowing very close to normal or median flow. Tellico River is currently rising quickly due to heavy rain that fell or is falling in the watershed. Water temperatures are warm in the lower elevations.

Fishing could be very good today. Some streams may rise quickly but that does not appear to be widespread. Fish in the middle to higher elevations where the water is cooler. Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs. Try a dry and dropper rig. Fish in the broken water where the trout are hiding.

Fishing for stocked trout has been good in some rivers. Nymphs are working well.

Fishing for smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish is good in the lowland rivers. There is a chance some rivers will rise and could become stained. Streamers, crayfish patterns, foam floating flies and poppers are good fly choices.

Fishing on the lakes will be best early. It is predicted to be overcast for a while which is an excellent condition. Winds will be calm. Thunderstorms are possible. Watch out for those. Cast to the banks and cover with streamers, swimming nymphs, foam floating flies and poppers.

There are generation schedules you can work with at many dams today if you plan to fish on a tailwater. Check the schedules on the TVA website to see what options you have and plan accordingly.

Tennessee Valley Authority is celebrating their 90th year. The agency is offering tours of some dams this month. You can read more about the tours and watch a video of one at Norris Dam by CLICKING HERE.

We are enjoying a very busy July at the Shop. The store is stocked well as we decided to invest in more inventory this year and the gamble paid off. You should see our huge fly selection. David Anderson has done a great job managing that department and others.

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

Byron Begley
July 9, 2023

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