Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:45 am, the temperature is 61 degrees.

Today will be partly sunny with a high temperature in the upper 70’s. We have a low chance for thunderstorms this afternoon and overnight. Tomorrow will be mostly sunny with a high around 80 degrees and a slight chance for thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Little River is flowing at 55.3 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.39 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 85 cfs. The water temperature is 64 degrees this morning.

We have not had any significant rain since August 15th, when 2.82 inches fell during a short period of time in Townsend. On August 14th and 15th, heavy rain fell in the Cherokee National Forest causing significant flooding in Tellico Plains.

Now, streams are flowing very low in the mountains. There are some that are flowing near normal but normal is low in September.

Trout are hiding in broken choppy water, in plunge pools, pockets, runs and eddies. Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs. A dry and dropper rig is a good tactical combination. Terrestrial imitations are good fly choices. Try a foam beetle dry fly with a Green Weenie dropper.

Fishing for smallmouth bass and other lowland river species is fair. Most of these rivers are flowing low, which is normal this time of the year. Fish in the deeper pools and runs with streamers, crayfish patterns, foam floating flies or poppers.

This may be a good lake fishing day due to the chance for overcast skies at times. I would still go early or late when the sun is low. Cast to the banks and cover using weighted streamers or swimming nymphs. Allow your flies to sink deep and retrieve slowly to keep them running deep back to your boat.

There are generation schedules wade fishing anglers can work with on a few tailwaters, with careful planning. If you are boating, there are more options. Check the TVA website to see what tailwater fishing opportunities you have today.

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

Byron Begley
September 27, 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