Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains. The temperature this morning at 5:35 am is 59.4 degrees.

The rivers and streams have receded. Heavy rain fell as the remnants of Hurricane Helene passed through. We did not see the extremely heavy rain much of the southeast experienced. Little River did reach flood stage at 7 feet on the gauge but receded quickly.

Rainfall year to date is reported to be 48.16 inches at the Knoxville Airport, compared to normal of 40.12 inches. Since September 1st, 6.33 inches was recorded and that compares to normal of 3.70 inches.

Sunny and dry conditions are predicted over the next week. It will be cool, with highs in the 70’s to low 80’s and lows in the 40’s and 50’s.

Little River is flowing at 228 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.11 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 74 cfs. The water temperature is 62.4 degrees this morning. The current level offers ideal fly fishing conditions. Fishing has been very good over the past couple of days and that will continue for a while.

Other streams in the Smokies are flowing at similar levels. Water temperatures are excellent at all elevations. Fishing is very good.

Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs. Terrestrial patterns are still good fly choices. Beetles, ant and inchworm imitations should be in your fly box. Actually, try about anything that is reasonable. Orange is a good dry fly color in October. If you are a nymph fisherman, the conditions are perfect, much better than usual in October.

Fishing for smallmouth bass and rock bass in the lowland rivers is good. The rivers are flowing higher than normal so you might need to pick your spots to wade. Try streamers, foam floating flies, poppers or nymphs.

I have talked to many customers and guides who are doing well fishing on the tailwaters for trout and other species. I floated the Cumberland River below Wolf Creek Dam with Frank and guide Hagan Wonn three weeks ago. We did very well, catching rainbows and browns in the 17” to 19” range with plenty of smaller browns thrown in. Brown trout are making a comeback on the Cumberland River.

TVA and the Corps are generating and sluicing at several tributary dams which is expected. We are being warned about extreme spilling and generation at Douglas Dam. But, at some dams, the generation schedules are favorable to wade and boat fishing at times. Click on the links below to see what tailwater fishing options you have today and over the next few days.

Now is a great time to fish in the streams and rivers in our area. We could not ask for better conditions in the free flowing streams.

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

Byron Begley
October 3, 2024

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Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com