Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:46 am, the temperature is 74 degrees.

It rained briefly here at our house a few minutes ago. It will be partly sunny today with a high temperature in the upper 80’s with a low chance for showers and thunderstorms.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely tomorrow. The high temperature will be in the middle to upper 80’s. Showers and thunderstorms will continue overnight.

Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high in the low to middle 80’s and a slight chance for thunderstorms.

Little River is flowing at 109 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.67 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 137 cfs. The water temperature is 70.3 degrees this morning at the low elevation USGS gauge near Townsend. Yesterday, the water temperature peaked at 72.3 degrees at 5:30 pm.

Most streams in the mountains are flowing below normal or at normal. Oconaluftee River rose to above normal this morning but is receding now. Water temperatures are very warm in the low elevations. Trout are stressed at these temperatures. Fish in the middle to higher elevations today where the water is cooler. Look for temperatures in the middle 60’s or cooler.

Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs. The streams are currently flowing fairly low, which is normal in July. Trout will be hiding in broken water or near cover. Dress to blend with the forest so the trout are less likely to see you.

Fishing for stocked trout is fair to good, depending on which river you choose to fish. Some of these rivers are warm. Nymphs will likely work best.

Fishing is the lowland rivers for smallmouth bass and warmwater species is good. Fish in the deeper pools or runs and in shaded areas if possible. Streamers, crayfish patterns, poppers or foam floating flies are all good choices.

Fishing on the lakes will be best early or late when the sun is low. Hit the banks or cover with weighted streamers, swimming nymphs, poppers or foam floating flies. When the sun is high, try to find shaded areas to fish or use weighted flies fished deep. The wind is predicted to be calm today.

If you are planning a fishing day on a tailwater, visit the TVA website first. There are some generation schedules you can work with whether you are wading or boating.

The shop is stocked better than it has been in several years. We have invested in more inventory and stock availability has been very good from our manufacturers. Our business is up so far this year, compared to last year. From what I am hearing, that is unusual. I heard that from a sales representative again yesterday. We made some choices that paid off.

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

Byron Begley
July 14, 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