Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. Summer has arrived in full force. This morning the temperature outside is already in the 70's and it is going to be hot this afternoon. More rain and cooler weather is coming next week which will help improve conditions.
Summer weather is causing water temperatures to rise. The USGS streamflow gauge is very low in elevation so it will read higher temperatures than the streams where you will want to be fishing. If you are curious or concerned about water temperatures, a stream thermometer is a valuable tool.
Warm water can make for slower trout fishing. Early mornings and late afternoons will be the most productive times of day. If you are going to be fishing all day or the middle part of the day you should head to a higher elevation stream where water temperatures will be cooler. Concentrate on fishing fast, broken water. This type of water is more aerated allowing the trout to breathe more easily. When fishing this fast, broken water you need to shorten your casts and concentrate on one pocket at a time. Cast in and keep all your line off the water. Follow the drift with your rod tip and when you re4ach the end of the drift pick it up and cast to the next pocket. Fish fast, not spending more than a few casts per spot.
Yellow dry fly patterns are the go to right now. Yellow Sally patterns such as Neversink Caddis, Tremont Sally, Stimulators, etc are all good. Larger sizes of these high floating stonefly patterns are a good choice for the top fly on a dry/dropper rig. Green Weenies and Squirmy Worms are excelletn dropper flies. Fishing a nymph is always a productive choice. The classics, Pheasant Tail, Prince Nymphs, and Hares Ear are always good. If you are wanting to dredge deep, then a tungsten headed euro style nymph will be good.
With the onset of Summer things are changing in the Smokies. There is more tourists and families in town. The Little River here in Townsend is full of tubers. TWRA won't be stocking the Little River again till early Fall. If you are to fish outside the Park you should have the mindset of smallmouth bass. If avoiding crowds is your goal then I would strike a line through Abrams Creek. There isn't too many anglers on the stream but getting to the river and back out can be infuriating. Go early before the traffic if you just have to go. Remember that Cades Cove is closed to all but bike traffic on Wednesdays.
Peace and solitude are achievable. Open up the guide book and a good map and find a little stream which is off the beaten path. It may take a little more walking. It may take a little more driving. You just need to be willing to go where others aren't willing to go.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Daniel Drake
June 11, 2026
WALTER BABB BAMBOO RODS FOR SALE - Buy directly from Walter. CLICK HERE for more information.
Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com
