Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:42 am, the temperature is 58 degrees.

It will be sunny today with a high in the middle 70’s and a low tonight in the middle 50’s. Tomorrow will be sunny with a high in the upper 70’s and a low in the middle to upper 50’s.

It looks like our first real chance for rain will occur Tuesday night through Wednesday night.

Little River is flowing at 67.6 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.46 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 74 cfs. The water temperature is 63.3 degrees this morning.

Streams in the Smokies are flowing close to normal, some lower and others higher. Normal in September is low.

Trout are hiding in the broken choppy water or near cover. They are taking dry flies or nymphs. Actually, they are very hungry and looking for food. Try a dry and dropper rig. This time of the year, terrestrial insects are an important source of food for many fish species. Try a black foam beetle dry fly with a Green Weenie dropper and I think you will do well. A Yellow Stimulator is also a good dry fly pick.

The streams in the lower elevation have been cooler lately. Fishing for stocked trout has improved. We may see water temperatures rise somewhat today and tomorrow.

Fishing for smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish is fair in the lowland rivers. Fish in the deeper pools and runs. Streamers, crayfish imitations, foam floating flies and poppers are all good fly choices.

Lake fishing will be best early or late when the sun is low. Weighted streamers or swimming nymphs will likely work best. Allow the flies to sink deep and retrieve slowly to keep them running deep. Foam floating flies and poppers may work for bass and bluegill, especially in the cooler lakes and when the sun is dim.

There are favorable generation schedules providing wade fishing opportunities on several tailwaters today. If you are boating, there are even more options. Check the TVA website from the links below to plan your tailwater fishing day.

We have been fairly busy at the shop. September is never one of our best months. I have talked to several customers who have traveled here for some Fall fishing. Today is the first day of Fall. Fall brings cooler temperatures that we and the fish enjoy. Fall is the spawning time for brown and brook trout. We see the trees change colors and that is happening now.  Most of us are over the heat. I know I am.

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

Byron Begley
September 23, 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