Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 5:13 am, the temperature is 35 degrees.
Frost is likely in the higher elevations this morning and possibly in some lower elevations. It will warm up later. Today will be sunny with a high in the middle 60’s and a low tonight in the upper 30’s to low 40’s. Tomorrow will be sunny with a high in the upper 60’s, dropping to the low to middle 40’s overnight.
Little River is flowing at 43.9 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.26 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 84 cfs. The water temperature is 53.2 degrees this morning and falling at the low elevation USGS gauge site near Townsend.
All steams in the Smokies are flowing lower than normal. Normal is low in early October. The streams may appear low now, but they have been much lower. Water temperatures are good in the low to middle elevations. The water is cold in the higher elevations. The USGS site at Cataloochee Creek is reporting a temperature in the upper 40’s and falling this morning.
My advice is to fish in the larger and lower elevation rivers where there is more water and warmer water temperatures. Most trout will be hiding in the broken choppy water in runs, pockets and plunge pools. Brown trout may be seen out in the pools, preparing to spawn. You may also do well fishing in the smaller mid-elevation streams.
Weighted nymph rigs are a good choice. Later today, trout may be taking dry flies.
The lowland rivers flowing out of the mountains and the National Park are low. Fishing for trout, where they are stocked is probably good. Try streamers, nymphs, egg patterns or squirmy worms. You might also try midge pupa patterns under a strike indicator.
Further downstream in these rivers, smallmouth bass are at least somewhat active. Fish in the deeper pools and runs with streamers and crayfish patterns.
Lake fishing will be best early or late. It will be chilly out there this morning so bundle up. Cast to the banks and cover with weighted streamers or swimming nymphs. Let those flies sink and retrieve slowly to keep them deep. I would certainly try poppers or foam floating flies in the shaded areas.
TVA and the Corps will be generating for long periods at many dams today with some exceptions. Visit the TVA website to see what is planned at your favorite tailwater. Hopefully you can squeeze in some fishing time today on one of the big rivers.
We are very busy at the shop. The store is stocked well. We are selling a lot of waders and wading boots. The fly and fly tying departments are doing very well. Anglers are enjoying the comfortable Fall weather and leaf colors.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
October 9, 2022
Note: We have a very large and well stocked fly tying department located on the second floor of our shop. Our fly tying materials and tools can also be found and bought on our online store with Free Shipping.
Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com
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