Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 5:57 am, the temperature is 69 degrees.

Today will be partly sunny with a high temperature in the middle 80’s. There is a 100% chance for thunderstorms today. Some of the storms could be severe. Wind is the greatest threat though hail and heavy rain is possible.

Little River is flowing at 112 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.68 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 123 cfs. The water temperature is 70.0 degrees this morning.

Most streams in the Smokies are flowing very close to median flow for this date. The streams are warm in the lower elevations. Fish in the middle to higher elevations where the water is cooler.

Fishing for trout in the mountains has been good. The trout are hiding in the broken water in riffles, plunge pools and runs. Nymphs and dry flies are working. Stay hidden from the trout and you will catch more.

If you are fishing in the mountains today, be aware that severe thunderstorms are possible. Watch for quickly rising water. If you see that happening, get out of the river.

You should do well fishing for smallmouth bass in the lowland rivers. Most of these rivers are flowing near normal which is low in early August. Fish in the deeper pools with streamers, crayfish patterns, foam floating flies or poppers. There is a chance some rivers may rise and become stained later today.

After reading the weather forecast, there is no way I would be on a lake in our boat today.

Check out the TVA website to see what tailwater fishing options you have today. There are a few generation schedules you can work with.

I just heard thunder. I heard more thunder. Storms are moving in.

Rich Mountains Road will be closed until further notice due to bear activity. Bears are looking for food that is scarce right now. We have seen several bears at our house lately. We live in the valley off Rich Mountain Road. You can read more on the WBIR website by CLICKING HERE.

This is my day off this week but there will be a full staff at the shop waiting to help you today. We will be open from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm.

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

Byron Begley
August 6, 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