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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:48 am, the temperature outside is 68.9 degrees.
Warmer than normal temperatures will continue over the next few days, and through the weekend. Expect highs in the mid to upper 80’s with lows in the high 60’s through the period. Rain in the form of scattered thunderstorms arrive tomorrow, with higher chances later this week, and through the weekend.
The numbers below do not take into account, what to expect out in the sun. Yesterday, the temperature in Townsend rose to 90.7 degrees in the sun. That was far hotter than the prediction.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PREDICTED HIGHS AND LOWS TODAY
| LOCATION |
HIGH |
LOW |
| TOWNSEND |
86 |
69 |
| GATLINBURG |
85 |
67 |
| ELKMONT |
83 |
66 |
| CADES COVE |
83 |
69 |
| NEWFOUND GAP |
78 |
61 |
| MOUNT LECONTE |
65 |
55 |
| CHEROKEE |
86 |
62 |
| SMOKEMONT |
81 |
62 |
| BRYSON CITY |
86 |
63 |
| MAGGIE VALLEY |
82 |
62 |
| COSBY |
86 |
67 |
Little River is flowing at 105 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.62 feet on the flow gauge. Median flow for this date is 102 cfs. The water temperature is 68.7 degrees this morning, and that number rose to over 70 degrees yesterday. Water temperature readings are taken at the USGS Gauge site, just upstream from the Townsend entrance to the Park. This is a low elevation site.
Water temperatures will be cooler in the mid to high elevations. That is where you should fish. When water temperatures reach the upper 60’s, dissolved oxygen content is reduced. This stresses trout. Catching and releasing a trout in water that warm is not healthy for the fish. Fishing in streams where the water is no warmer than the mid-60’s is better for the fish, and you will enjoy better fishing.
The streams are flowing normal, which is low in August. Stealth is paramount to success. Wear muted clothing to blend with the forest. Never wear a white cap or shirt. You will probably catch less trout, if you catch any at all. These trout are wild and always aware of the danger from predators, like us. We have to hide from them, especially when the water is flowing low, like it is now.
Fish the broken water where the trout are hiding. That could be pockets behind rocks in riffles, deep runs, or near cover.
Trout will be taking dry flies and nymphs. My favorite Summer dry flies have been, for many years, black foam beetles, Yellow Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Green Weenies, Pink Weenies and Bead Head Pheasant Tails.
The tailwaters are fishing well for trout and smallmouth bass, according to the guides and anglers who fish often.
I talked to guide Gary Troutman yesterday. He showed me some photos of the bass his clients have been catching lately. Several were in the 20” range. Gary and his partner Josh Pfeiffer, guide in the Smokies for trout, on tailwaters for trout, and on tailwaters for smallmouth bass. You can visit their website by CLICKING HERE. I highly recommend them both. I fished with Gary a few weeks ago. We had a great day. I have fished with Josh several times.
We may have some cloudy to partly cloudy days in our near future. Those are good lake fly fishing days. I would still go early or late. We are fishing with flies, in fairly shallow water. The sun drives the bass deep, which can be beyond the reach of flies unless you use a sinking fly line. But, you can find shaded areas and you may catch smallmouth or largemouth bass there. The large bluegill will be deep on sunny days too.
I almost forgot, the new Foothills Parkway missing link is scheduled to open later this year. You can see the story on the WBIR website by CLICKING HERE. I can’t wait!
Our local tourism department is building a new mobile app to make your visit to Cades Cove more informative. And, it works on your phone without cell service. That will be handy since most people will not have phone access while visiting the Cove. Read more on the Daily Times website by CLICKING HERE.
I am working 7-days a week for a couple of weeks, trying to catch up on my “To Do” list which is long right now. I went on a fishing trip with Frank and took four days off last week. That’s the price you pay. Today is “Organization Day”, again. I try to do that at least every two weeks. Organization Day makes me feel good.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
August 28, 2018
Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com
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