Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:31 am, the temperature is 67 degrees.

This is going to be a hot and dry week. We can expect high temperatures in the low 90’s each day through Friday. We have a low chance for rain Saturday.

Little River is flowing at 196 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.0 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 116 cfs. The water temperature is 66.4 degrees at the low elevation USGS gauge near Townsend. Yesterday, the temperature at that site topped out at 68 degrees at 5:45 pm.

Most streams in the mountains are flowing near normal. Normal in August is low. One exception is Tellico River which is flowing at about three times the median flow for this date. Water temperatures have been tolerable for trout at all elevations but they will likely change soon. With water levels falling and air temperatures rising, water temperatures will rise this week.

I think it is prudent that we fish in the middle to higher elevations where the water is cooler. Where that will be is only a guess on any specific stream or time of day. Use any waterproof thermometer to check the temperature. Look for water temperatures in the middle 60’s or cooler. The water will be cooler in the mornings and become warmest by evening. You could start out fishing in the lower elevations then move to higher elevations later.

Trout will be actively feeding if they water temperatures are within their preferred range. Dry flies and nymphs will work. A small yellow Stimulator, Yellow Sally Stonefly pattern or a foam beetle are excellent dry fly choices. A Green Weenie is a great go-to sub-surface fly to use.

Most of the lowland rivers are flowing closer to normal. Fishing for smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish is good. Keep in mind, normal is low in August. Fish in the deeper pools with streamers, crayfish imitations, foam floating flies or poppers.

It is going to be hot on the lakes this week. Go early and launch at daybreak. Hit the banks with weighted streamers or swimming nymphs. If you are fishing a cooler lake, try poppers or foam floating flies. As the sun rises, find shaded areas to fish.

TVA and the Corps will be generating all day at several dams. There are a few generation schedules that include pauses, especially in the mornings. Check the TVA website to see what tailwater fishing options you have today.

I visited the Gatlinburg Trout Facility Facebook page for the first time this morning. That page is up to date and interesting. Travis Williams runs the hatchery and stocking program in Gatlinburg. He does a great job. He is a former Gatlinburg Police Officer and professional fly fishing guide. We have been friends for a long time. I like the fact that he posts water temperatures and comments on them often this time of the year. You can visit the page by CLICKING HERE.

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

Byron Begley
August 21, 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