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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 5:38 am, the temperature outside is 69.3 degrees.

Today will be warm and muggy. The National Weather Service predicts cooler temperatures this week, during the day. Other weather websites indicate warmer temps. All weather sites agree it will be cooler next week. There is a chance for thunderstorms today, and a greater chance tomorrow, Monday and every day through next week.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PREDICTED HIGHS AND LOWS TODAY

Little River is flowing low at 82 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.51 feet on the flow gauge. Median flow for this date is 85 cfs. The water temperature is 70.5 degrees this morning.

Rain after midnight affected the stream flow in the Little Pigeon River but it is receding now. The river if flowing above median flow but not by much. The same is true at Oconaluftee River. Cataloochee Creek was not affected by rain overnight.

Wherever you go fishing this morning in the Smokies, you will probably see low flows. That could change at any time through the weekend, as scattered thunderstorms are predicted.

The streams are very warm in the low elevations. Fish the higher elevations where the water is cooler. Look for water temperatures of 65 degrees or cooler.

Stealth is very important to your success. Dress to blend with the forest and stay as low as you can while approaching your intended pool or run, and also staying low while casting.

Fish the choppy water where the trout are hiding. Also, in the broken water, you are less likely to be seen by the trout.

Dry flies and nymphs should both work. I would use foam beetle, Yellow Neversink Caddis, Yellow Stimulator, Green Weenie or Pheasant Tail patterns. Other flies may work as well or maybe better. The trout will be hungry and seeking food. They will also be spooky due to the low flows.

It may be cloudy at times today. That will be helpful for anglers.

Fishing conditions are not exactly favorable right now, but that is normal this time of the year. Everything will change when rain arrives. We should see plenty of rain over the next few days.

There is not doubt, fishing will improve next week due to the rain and cooler temperatures. However, some streams may be flowing high at times during the period. And, they may become stained. We need the rain and we are all looking forward to cooler days and nights.

I am going to work all weekend, and fish next week, weather permitting. The fishing report will be uploaded later tomorrow morning. I am taking Paula to the airport early. She and some friends are flying to Scotland.

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

Byron Begley
September 8, 2018

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com