Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:48 am, the temperature is 65 degrees.

It is going to be cooler and wetter over the next few days. Today will be partly cloudy with a high temperature in the low 80’s and a 40% chance for thunderstorms.

Tomorrow will be partly cloudy with a high in the low 80’s and a 50% chance for thunderstorms.

The high temperature Saturday and Sunday is predicted to top out in the high 70’s with a higher chance for thunderstorms both days.

Little River is flowing at 117 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.70 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 98 cfs. The water temperature is 68.4 degrees this morning.

Most streams in the mountains are flowing near normal. Normal is low in early September. Cataloochee Creek is flowing lower than normal and Tellico River is flowing higher. The streams are warm in the low elevations this morning and they will warm further later today. Fish in the middle to higher elevations where the water is cooler. Look for water temperatures in the middle 60’s or cooler.

Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs. A dry and dropper rig is a good combination to use. Make your dropper a Green Weenie.

Fishing for smallmouth bass and other species in the lowland rivers is good. The rivers are mostly flowing low but that is normal right now. Fish in the deeper pools and runs using streamers, crayfish imitations, foam floating flies or poppers.

Lake fishing with fly tackle should improve over the next few days as there will be partly cloudy conditions and cooler temperatures. There is a chance for thunderstorms every day through the weekend. Cast to the banks and cover using weighted streamers or swimming nymphs. You may want to try top water fishing with foam floating flies or poppers. Watch for gamefish attacking shad on the surface when the sky is overcast.

TVA and the Corps will be generating for long periods at many dams today with a few exceptions. They are in the process of lowering the lakes to provide water storage capacity over the Winter. But, you can find some tailwater fishing opportunities with careful planning. Visit the TVA website from the links below to see what tailwater fishing options you have today.

Cooler temperatures are predicted through the weekend, but even cooler air is anticipated beginning Wednesday of next week. We should see highs in the 70’s with lows in the 50’s through September 21st and maybe beyond. Water temperatures will fall, allowing for good fishing in the lower elevation streams again.

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

Byron Begley
September 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