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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is the last day of the year. The last Fishing Report of the year.
There is a chance of rain in the forecast for later today. Then more rain mid-week. This year we have received over 13 inches more rain than normal. It seemed like it kept raining on the weekends which makes it hard for most of you to get out on the water. Well here is praying for a normal water year for 2019!
The Little River Road from the Townsend Y to Metcalf Bottoms remains closed due to trees and other debris. You can access the upper part by going in through the Wear Cove Entrance (Lyon's Spring Road).
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PREDICTED HIGHS AND LOWS TODAY
| LOCATION |
HIGH |
LOW |
| TOWNSEND |
69 |
54 |
| GATLINBURG |
68 |
53 |
| ELKMONT |
66 |
51 |
| CADES COVE |
66 |
52 |
| NEWFOUND GAP |
54 |
46 |
| MOUNT LECONTE |
60 |
47 |
| CHEROKEE |
62 |
52 |
| SMOKEMONT |
62 |
51 |
| BRYSON CITY |
63 |
52 |
| MAGGIE VALLEY |
60 |
51 |
| COSBY |
69 |
53 |
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Little River is flowing at 3.13 feet or 809 c.f.s. This is much higher than the daily normal of 296 c.f.s. The streams are flowing clear. Water temperature has been stable and rising over the last couple of days. This morning it was a good 52.5 F.
The whitewater kayakers like the Little River Gauge at 3 feet. For most anglers this is too high to safely and enjoyably fish. High flows are dangerous and you have to be smart about where you fish. High flows can also be good fishing if you are prepared for them.
Stay out of the water as much as possible. The fish won't be out in the heavy current anyway so concentrate on slower stretches of the river. Weight is your friend as it will help get the flies down to where the trout are more quickly. If you don't have enough weight the nymph is likely to be swept down stream high in the water above where the trout are.
Streamers can be a lot of fun. I haven't spent enough time trying streamers in the mountains. Anglers that do fish them have good success.
I know a few of you will think this next statement is sacrilege but it is truth. A spinning rod can be a good way to salvage high water days. Casting from the bank can be easier with tackle, plus the lures can produce results you may not be able to achieve with a nymph.
Free Fly Tying Demos start next Saturday on January 5th. David and Mellisa Harrell will be here from 10 am till 2 pm. Both are very active with Trout Unlimited. They do most of their fishing on the Clinch so expect some midges. We will be having demos each Saturday till March. Stop by, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to watch some great tyers showing off their craft.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Daniel Drake
December 31, 2018
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Fly Tying Classes January, February and March 2019
Taught by Walter Babb and Brian Courtney
Beginner to Advanced
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE |
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Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com
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