Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:44 am, the temperature is 44 degrees.

It will be sunny, warm and somewhat breezy today, with a high temperature around 80 degrees, falling to the middle 50’s tonight. Tomorrow will be mostly sunny with a high in the middle 70’s and a low in the low 50’s. We have a slight chance for rain tomorrow afternoon with a higher chance tomorrow night. Rain is likely Friday.

Little River is flowing at 39.6 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.27 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 145 cfs. The water temperature is 50.0 degrees this morning. Yesterday, the water temperature peaked at 50.0 degrees at 4:30 pm.

All streams in the mountains are flowing very low and the trout are spooky. They are actively feeding as the water temperatures are within their preferred range. Do everything possible to stay hidden from the trout. Wade as little as possible. Use light tippet. Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs.

Fishing for smallmouth bass in the lowland rivers is probably fair at best. The water is very low in all of these rivers. Fish in the deeper pools with streamers and crayfish imitations.

There are breaks in the generation scheduled at several dams today. The timing of some of these breaks is ideal for wade or boat fishing on the tailwaters. Visit the TVA website from the links below to plan your tailwater fishing day.

We are working on the schedule for our Free Fly Tying Demonstrations to be held on Saturdays and on some Sundays. These demonstrations are very popular during the Winter months. All you have to do is show up at the shop.

Our first demonstration will be held Saturday November 11th. The featured tyer is local guide Matt Dixon. Matt will be tying between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. He will be tying streamers that he uses on the area tailwaters.

We are also holding a beginner fly tying class Saturday and there are two openings. The cost of the class is $100 and we supply everything you need, including lunch. The class will be taught by Brian Courtney who has been teaching this class for decades. To book your spot call the shop at 854-448-9459. This class lasts all day and it is an excellent opportunity for you to begin the fascinating hobby.

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

Byron Begley
November 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