Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:44 am, the temperature is 63 degrees.

It will be sunny today with a high temperature in the low 80’s. We can expect sunny days with no rain predicted through at least Monday.

Little River is flowing at 563 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.77 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 119 cfs. The water temperature is 63.5 degrees this morning.

Streams in the Smokies are receding. Many were flowing high with some reaching or exceeding flood stage this week. All streams are flowing higher than median flow for this date. As the rivers recede, fishing is improving. You should be able to find safe water to wade and fish, though currents are strong and care should be taken when wading.

Water temperatures are good. Trout will be actively feeding and taking dry flies or nymphs.

Most lowland rivers are flowing higher than normal. Fishing for smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish is good. The rivers are receding and that will continue for several days. Wading will be limited in some rivers. Streamers, crayfish patterns, foam floating flies and poppers are all good fly choices.

Fishing will be best on the lakes when the sun is low. Go early or late. Cast to the banks and cover with weighted streamers, swimming nymphs, foam floating flies or poppers. Seek shaded areas when the sun is high. Switching to deeper running flies is also beneficial when the sun is high and bright like it will be today.

TVA and the Corps will be generating almost all day at some dams. There are breaks in the generation planned at others. Check the TVA website from the links below to see what tailwater fishing options you have today.

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

Byron Begley
August 17, 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