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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:43 am, the temperature is 36.5 degrees.

Rain is moving into the Tennessee Valley this morning. The chance for rain is 100%. Expect a half inch of rain or more today and tonight. The high temperature today will be in the low 50’s today falling to the low to mid 30’s tonight. There is a low chance for rain and snow showers tomorrow morning before becoming mostly sunny with a high in the mid-40’s. It will be clear tomorrow night then sunny on Sunday with a high around 50 degrees.

Little River is flowing at 149 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.85 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 218 cfs. The water temperature is 39.6 degrees and steady.

Most streams in the Smoky Mountains are flowing at or slightly above normal. Water temperatures are cool. Weighted nymphs are probably your best choice of flies today.

Fishing may not be great this weekend but you will find fairly pleasant conditions to go and enjoy your day. Right now, the roads are open in the Park. Snow could force road closures in the highest elevations tonight or tomorrow.

I always check the weather forecast for Mount LeConte and Newfound Gap during the Winter months. Expect a wintery mix of rain and snow at Mount Leconte today with a high near 40 degrees. Rain is predicted today at Newfound Gap with a high temperature in the mid-40’s.

I think fishing will be slow in the lowland rivers today and this weekend except for possibly fishing for stocked trout. Nymphs and streamers are good choices.

I did not see any wade fishing flows on the tailwaters today. I did not check every dam in east or middle Tennessee so refer to the TVA website to see what is happening on your favorite tailwater. You may have more options if you are boating. Tailwater fishing can be good in December, if you catch the right generation schedules.

I keep seeing a break in the generation at Center Hill Dam almost every day. I can’t remember if that river can be waded when the schedule is what I am seeing now. The Caney Fork used to be my home water, 30 years ago or longer. If you fish there often, you should know. Check the predicted generation there and see what you think.

I don’t know what to tell you about lake fishing. It will be overcast and wet today with only light wind to contend with. Fishing in a lake in December and through the winter is something I just don’t do anymore. I used to catch stripers on overcast days during the winter, on the surface, when I was younger and crazy enough to get out there. Those days are over for me.

What we need is a break in the generation schedules so you can fish on the tailwaters. If we do not get that this weekend, try fishing in the Smokies or the lowland rivers that are stocked with trout.

Tying flies keeps me connected to fly fishing during the winter months. The same is true for working in the shop. I am never far away from fly fishing.

Spring fly fishing for trout may not be that far off. Remember, during the past few years, fishing for trout has been good in the Smokies as early as February.

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

Byron Begley
December 4, 2020

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com