Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:38 am, the temperature is 71 degrees.

It rained yesterday and the rainfall was heavy at times. Area weather stations reported between .75 inches and 1 inch of rainfall fell yesterday.

It will be mostly cloudy then gradually becoming clear today with a high temperature in the low 80’s. Tomorrow will be sunny and warmer with a high 1n the upper 80’s. Rain returns to the forecast Sunday and Monday.

Little River is flowing at 205 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.03 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 129 cfs. The water temperature is 68.0 degrees this morning.

Streams are flowing higher today. Some streams are rising. None appear to be blown out but I can’t be sure. I think most streams are fishable today. This should be a very good fishing day, especially if it remains overcast for an extended period of time.

Trout will be actively feeding. They will be hiding in the broken water. Nymphs and dry flies should work well. Fish in the middle to higher elevations where the water is cooler.

Fishing in the lowland rivers for smallmouth bass and warmwater species will be good today. I suppose there is a chance for stained water is some rivers due to runoff but I don’t think that is likely at least in our immediate area. Plan to use streamers, crayfish patterns, foam floating flies or poppers.

This may be an outstanding lake fishing day. Winds should be light. Two different weather websites describe “generally cloudy” or “mostly cloudy” conditions. Cast to the banks or cover with weighted streamers, swimming nymphs, foam floating flies or poppers.

TVA and the Corps will be generating all day at a few dams but they are offering breaks in the generation at others. Check the TVA website to see what tailwater fishing options you have today.

Traffic is light in Townsend this week. Kids in many areas have gone back to school. Less young families are vacationing in the Smokies right now. Early August is always transition time in Townsend. Activity will resume this Fall.

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

Byron Begley
August 4, 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