Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:45 am, the temperature is 40 degrees.

We got some rain yesterday, .15 inches in Townsend. I believe more rain fell in the mountains as most streams are now flowing higher.

Today will be sunny with a high temperature in the upper 60’s, falling to the middle 40’s overnight. Tomorrow will be sunny with a high in the middle 60’s and a low overnight around 40 degrees. No rain is predicted this weekend. It is going to be sunny and nice.

Little River is flowing at 124 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.73 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 81 cfs. The water temperature is 54.7 degrees and falling.

Most streams in the mountains are flowing higher than normal for this date. None I can find are flowing too high to wade or fish.

Water temperatures are within the trout’s preferred range in the low to middle elevations. Right now, the water temperature at Cataloochee Creek is 50 degrees and falling. By daybreak, that number will be in the middle to high 40’s. Until the water warms later today, fishing will probably be slow at that elevation which is 2,457 feet above sea level.

If you go fly fishing in the mountains today you are going to be in for a treat. It will be cool early but comfortable later today. The tree colors are probably at peak in the low to middle elevations. This is going to be a nice Fall weekend.

Though the water levels are now higher, you should still try to avoid being seen by the trout by dressing in clothing that blends with the forest. Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs.

Fishing for smallmouth bass in the lowland rivers is much better now that the rivers are flowing higher. Water temperatures are within the bass’ preferred range. Streamers or crayfish patterns will likely work best but you might also try foam floating flies and poppers.

Fishing for stocked trout has improved some due to higher flows. Water temperatures in most of these rivers are perfect.

It will be a little breezy on the lakes today. It will also be sunny. Fishing will be best early or late when the sun is lower and the surface is dimly lit. Cast weighted streamers to the banks and cover. Try foam floating flies or poppers. I think the streamers will work best. Mine would resemble a threadfin shad or whatever a Wooly Bugger looks like.

There are some unique and very interesting generation schedules at dams in our region today. There are many wade fishing and boat fishing options on the area tailwaters. Check the TVA website to plan your tailwater fishing day.

There are a lot of people camping and they are all going to enjoy this weekend. The weather is perfect, fairly warm during the day and chilly at night. There is no rain in the forecast. The trees are beautiful in the lower elevations. Fishing is better. From what I am hearing, most campgrounds are full.

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

Byron Begley
October 21, 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