Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains.  We are enjoying beautiful Spring weather here in the Smokies.  There is a chance of storms today but this weekend is going to be wonderful.

The Little River is at a good level for fishing.  Isolated rains could change this rapidly so always stay vigilant while fishing.  This morning the river gauge reads 2.23 feet or 279 c.f.s.  The daily normal is 270 c.f.s.  

Water temperatures have fallen over the last week but have stabilized.  This morning the Little River is 56F below the Wye.  Water temperatures will be cooler as you go higher in elevation. Especially with cooler air temperatures many folks will find these water temps on the cool side for wet wading so do pack the waders away quite yet.

We have been hearing some good reports back from fishermen.  The hatch has been moving into lighter shades and colors.  Light Cahill, Sulphur, Light Hendrickson, and even a few Yellow Sallies.  People are seeing the black and orange periodic cicadas in some areas but we have yet to hear a report of anyone catching a trout on them.  We were told that they were abundant in Cades Cove but not near the water.  The bears have been eating them like candy.

If you head out fishing early in the day start with nymphs.  Overnight temps aren't going to be very warm so the streams will be cool in the mornings.  A dry/dropper is a good choice to up your chances.

The Shop has been pretty quiet this week.  We are in the nice time after Spring Break and before school gets out.  It is a great time to be out in the mountains.  

I saw a Facebook post that the bridge at Bald River Falls on Tellico is done.  It looks like it has a nice, safe area for viewing the falls.  It guess the road still needs repaving so getting through the area may still be messed up.  Having that road back open is going to make fishing the Cherokee National Forest easier than it has been for a long while. 

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

Daniel Drake
May 8, 2025

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