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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. There was no sunrise this morning, only gloomy gray and spitting rain. Rain is in the forecast for this evening. Overnight lows are only going to be around 50F so hopefully a warm rain will cause water temperatures to rise substantially.
The stream flow gauge is currently giving a water temperature reading of 37.8F. That is chilly but it is warmer than at the same time yesterday. Water levels are 2.02 feet or 212 c.f.s. which is below the daily normal of 399 c.f.s. We could use some rain to keep the streams flowing at a good normal level.
If you are coming to the Smokies this weekend there are a few things to check before you come. Water levels could spike depending on how much rain we get tonite. The forecast isn't calling for a large amount but we never know till after. Also, if you are heading over the mountains to the North Carolina side be sure to check on road conditions. Even though it might be warm down here in the valley it could be icy at Newfound Gap. Twitter is an excellent resource for up to date road info. Check out @smokiesroadsnps They keep the twitter-feed fairly updated. Also you can call the NPS phone line. 865-436-1200. When the talking begins hit 2 and when the talking starts again hit 2 again. This will take you directly to the Road Conditions Report. The message repeats so you might have to listen to it all the way through.
As of 10 am Newfound Gap/US 441 is closed due to snow and ice.
Fishing this weekend will be tough but it is going to be better than it has been all week. Warming water temperatures are the early spring fisherman's friend. I would still wait a bit before heading out. Let the streams warm some.
Nymphs are going to be your best bet. Use something with weight to get it down to sluggish trout. Later in the day look for some topwater action. Quill Gordons will probably be tapering off. Giving way to Red Quills and Hendricksons. A Parachute Adams is a great pattern now too. Using a dropper can be very effective.
Tomorrow is our first Beginner Fly Fishing School of the 2017 season. It is full up so we'll have Rob Fightmaster and Walter Babb here imparting their knowledge on a new generation of fly anglers. On Sunday, water permitting, the School goes to the Smokies to put all that new knowledge to use. Rob, Josh Pfeiffer and David Knapp teach the Onstream Class. Our beginner schools are a great way to get into flyfishing...or even to just move you on to the next level.
As Byron said the other day ALL sorts of new stuff is arriving every day at the Shop. It is coming in so fast that we can't get it listed on the Online Catalog. The Korkers Hatchback boot is here. If you want a boot with maximum support but is easy to get into then this is perfect. We have Cliff Boxes now too. They are perfect for poppers and other warmwater flies. Most all of the Fishpond items are in stock. The stuff that isn't is on its way and will be anyday. I'm going to order Regal Vises today. That is a vise we haven't stocked in many years but we will again.
Ball caps are coming. I got an invoice this morning for a re-stock order. Legacy (the hat company) is also working on a couple of new hat logos for us. One is going to say Abrams Creek and Great Smoky Mountains on it. Another is an oval logo which will be embroidered on some camo hats. I haven't seen a proof yet but they are also working on a hat design for us which will feature the Fly Tyers Weekend Logo.
Oh....almost forgot. We got shipping notification this morning of the brand new Ross Evolution R reels. These are a bit on the expensive side...but they are SO pretty and smooth. You'll have to check them out.
I'm going to get this posted. Fishing should really improve over the next several days and week.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Daniel Drake
March 17, 2017
Respond to: Byron@littleriveroutfitters.com |
