Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 6:02 am, the temperature is 39 degrees.

The high elevations in the Smokies are under a “Frost Advisory”.

It will be sunny today with a high temperature around 60 degrees, dropping to the low 40’s tonight. Tomorrow will be warmer with a high in the upper 60’s and a low in the high 40’s. No rain is predicted today or tomorrow.

Little River is flowing at 45.4 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.33 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 86 cfs. The water temperature is 55.6 degrees and falling at the low elevation gauge site near Townsend.

The streams are all flowing low. Rainfall at the Knoxville Airport has amounted to only .65 inches since September 1st. Normal for the period is 4.20 inches. So, we have a 3.55 inch deficit during the past 38 days.

Stream temperatures fell like a rock overnight and they are still falling. Water temperatures are fine for trout activity in the low to middle elevations. We will see water temperatures fall to below 50 degrees in the high elevations. Fishing could be slow in the high elevations this morning until the water warms later.

Fishing for trout is tough in the Smokies right now. Trout are being caught, but fishing is not like it would normally be if the water were higher. If you go, fish in the choppy water where the trout are hiding in pockets, plunge pools, runs and eddies. Dry flies and nymphs are working. I would choose terrestrial insect imitations, including a Green Weenie fished alone or as a dropper off a dry fly.

Fishing for smallmouth bass and other species is fair in the lowland rivers. These rivers are flowing low and they are somewhat chilly this morning. I think streamers and crayfish imitations will work best. Fish in the deeper pools and runs.

Lake fishing will be best early or late when the sun is low. If you are fly fishing during the midday hours, find shaded banks to fish. Weighted streamers or swimming nymphs will likely work best for you. Fish those flies deep and slow. Try foam floating flies or poppers too.

If you choose to fish on a tailwater today, you have plenty of options whether you are wade fishing or boating. Check the TVA website from the links below to determine a strategy based on the planned generation schedules.

We are busy at the shop for many reasons right now. For one thing, the weather is beautiful. It finally feels like Fall. The trees are turning and the mountains are beautiful. It is Fall Break so many kids are out of school. Young families are enjoying a short vacation. And, this is a holiday weekend.

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

Byron Begley
October 8, 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