Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:42 am, the temperature is 64 degrees.

Today will be sunny with a high temperature near 81 degrees with a low tonight in the low 60’s.

Tomorrow will be mostly sunny with a high around 81 with a chance for thunderstorms in the afternoon. The chance for thunderstorms continues through tomorrow night.

Wednesday will be partly sunny with a slight chance for thunderstorms. The high temperature will be in the middle 70’s with a low overnight in the low to middle 50’s.

The high temperature will be in the middle 70’s through the end of the week beginning Wednesday.

Little River is flowing at 151 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.84 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 85 cfs. The water temperature is 66.2 degrees this morning.

Some streams in the Smokies are flowing very close to normal for this date. Other are flowing higher. Normal in early September is low. Streams will be warm today in the lowest elevations. Fish in the 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. This is a good time to be using terrestrial fly patterns. Beetles, ants and inchworm imitations are good choices.

Fishing for smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish in the lowland rivers is good. Some of these rivers are flowing at very good levels, higher than normal. Fish in the deeper pools and runs using streamers, crayfish patterns, foam floating flies or poppers.

Fly fishing on the lakes will be best early or late when the sun is low. Hit the banks or cover with streamers or swimming nymphs. Try poppers or foam floating flies that might work, especially when the sun is low and on the cooler lakes.

TVA and the Corps will be generating most of the day at many dams but there are some exceptions and possible wade fishing opportunities. If you are boating there are more options. Check the TVA website to view the generation schedules and possibly plan a tailwater fishing day.

It is beginning to look like Fall. Some trees are turning. It was windy Saturday and leaves were blowing. Katydids are chirping in the forest. Beginning Wednesday, the long term weather forecast is calling for much cooler temperatures, with lows in the 50’s and high in the 70’s through September 25th. I know we are all looking forward to the cooler days and nights.

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

Byron Begley
September 11, 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