Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:40 am, the temperature is 68 degrees.

Today will be cloudy early before becoming sunny this afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms are likely today. There is the potential for heavy rainfall. Rainfall may reach one inch. The high temperature will be in the low to middle 80’s. Thunderstorms are likely tonight.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely Thursday, Thursday night, Friday and Friday night.

Little River is flowing at 121 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.72 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 122 cfs. The water temperature is 70.5 degrees this morning at the low elevation USGS gauge site near Townsend.

Most streams in the mountains are flowing near normal. Water levels have risen slightly overnight in some streams.

If you go fishing in the mountains today, fish in the middle to higher elevations where the water is cooler. Be aware that some streams may rise quickly due to heavy rain upstream from where you are fishing. If you see that happening, get out of the stream.

Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs.

Fishing for stocked trout in the lower elevations will be good in some rivers that are cooler and especially those that have been stocked recently. Nymphs, egg patterns, Squirmy Worms and midge pupa are good fly choices.

There is a chance some lowland rivers may rise and become stained today. Right now, most are flowing near normal. Fishing for smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish will be good if the river you are fishing remains clear. Streamers, crayfish imitations, foam floating flies and poppers are good fly choices.

It should be overcast early today which is a good lake fishing condition. Cast to the banks and cover with streamers, swimming nymphs, foam floating flies and poppers. There is a good chance you will get wet. Watch for approaching thunderstorms. I would be fishing fairly close to the ramp.

There are some generation schedules you can work with if you plan to fish on a tailwater today. TVA and the Corps will be generating for long periods at some dams beginning this morning or this afternoon. Check the TVA website to see what tailwater fishing options you have today.

We are busy at the shop and one reason is, customers are planning their Summer fishing trips to the Rockies and other destinations. Another reason we are so busy is, the shop is stocked very well. We prepared for a good year by investing in more inventory. Also, fly fishing gear is easier to get this year. Most of our manufacturers are stocked well too.

One very important and successful department in our store is flies. Our selection has never been better. We don’t just stock trout flies to use in the mountains. We have flies for almost all freshwater uses, including tailwater trout and warmwater species. If you are a Euro fly angler, we have flies for you too. You should come by and check our fly department out. I think you will be impressed.

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

Byron Begley
July 19, 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