Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:45 am, the temperature is 70 degrees.

It will be partly sunny and breezy today with a high temperature in the middle to upper 80’s. There is a risk for severe storms today. Wind gusts could reach 30 miles per hour. Showers and thunderstorms are likely this afternoon. The chance for thunderstorms continues through the night.

Tomorrow will be partly sunny with a high in the low 80’s.

Little River is flowing at 109 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.67 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 124 cfs. The water temperature is 69.4 degrees at the low elevation USGS gauge site near Townsend.

Streams in the mountains are flowing near normal with some flowing higher, including Tellico River and Cataloochee Creek. Most streams appear to be flowing at good fishing levels.

If you go fishing in the Smokies today, fish in the middle to higher elevations where the water is cooler. Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs. They are hiding in the broken water or near cover. Dress to blend with the forest to help you avoid being seen by the trout.

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

The weather forecast calls for windy conditions today. Keep that in mind if you are planning a lake fishing day. Personally, I would not go.

There are some generation schedules you can work with if you are hoping to fish on a tailwater. Fishing time may be limited and careful planning must be done. Check the TVA website from the links below to see what your tailwater fishing options are today.

Little River Trail above the Elkmont Campground is closed on Monday through Thursday each week through September 7th. Crews are making repairs to rehabilitate the trail. You can read more on the WBIR website by CLICKING HERE.

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

Byron Begley
August 7, 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