Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 5:34 am, the temperature is 63 degrees.

It will be sunny and hot today with a high temperature near 90 degrees. The high temperature tomorrow and each day this week is predicted to be in the low to middle 90’s, with only a low chance for rain during the period.

Little River is flowing at 235 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.12 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 109 cfs. The water temperature is 64.6 degrees this morning.

Many streams in the mountains have receded back to near normal or slightly above normal flows. Tellico River is still flowing quite a bit higher than normal. Water temperatures are fine right now, but we are going to see much warmer water over the next few days. We should all be watching the water temperatures and fishing in the higher elevations if needed. Look for water temperatures in the 60’s or cooler. The streams are normally warmest later in afternoons.

Trout are actively feeding. They are taking dry flies and nymphs.

Fishing for smallmouth bass in the lowland rivers is good. Most of these rivers are flowing near normal with some flowing higher than normal. Streamers, crayfish patterns, foam floating flies and poppers are all good fly choices.

The lakes will likely be packed with recreation boaters today. I would go at daybreak and fish through the early morning hours. You will be more likely to avoid the traffic and the sun will be lower. Cast to the banks and cover with weighted streamers or swimming nymphs. Retrieve slow and get your flies deep. On the colder lakes, you may do well with foam floating flies or poppers, especially early when the sun is low.

There are workable generation schedules at some dams today. Tailwater anglers have some choices whether you are boating or wading. Check the TVA website from the links below to plan your tailwater fishing day.

The Corps of Engineers held a public meeting last night to discuss the removal of two dams on Little River. The cost to remove these dams could be $14.5 million. They plan to remove the two most dangerous dams, Rockford and Peery’s Mill. The Townsend Dam removal was discussed at one time but for now, the dam will remain. You can read more about this proposal on the Corps of Engineers website by CLICKING HERE.

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

Byron Begley
August 20, 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