Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow yesterday which is traditionally supposed to mean 6 more weeks of winter.  Given the statistics that he is WRONG more than 53% of the time I'm going with the thoughts that Spring hatches and warm water are coming sooner than later.  Don't rely on an oversized ground squirrel and get to the tying bench.  Quill Gordons will be here before we know it.  

Damp weather yesterday brought water levels on Little River back up.  This morning the gauge is reading 2.94 ft or 715 c.f.s.  This is high for fishing.  If you decide to go you will need to be very careful and stick to fishing from the bank.  Water temperatures are also a cool 45F.  Not much different than yesterday so that is a plus. 

Heavy nymphs sunk deep  are going to be the best choice today.  You may want to fish a two fly rig with a larger fly such as a Pat's Rubberlegs on top and have a smaller nymph behind.  A Squirmy Worm is a good choice.  Don't forget about the traditional patterns though.  As more an more people gravitate towards new and different fly designs, the old classics actually become more of a novelty to the trout.  They see every combination of Squirmy, Mop, rubberleg jig out there.  How many recent born rainbow trout have seen a Pheasant Tail, a Prince Nymph or a Tellico.  If you want to cast some really rare delicacy to the trout consider a soft hackle. 

Despite the cold, gloomy weather here in East Tennessee, Spring is coming faster than we realize.   Are you ready?  Have you organized your fly boxes.  I know by the end of the the warm months my boxes are a mess from changing flies and just putting fished flies back in.  It is time to open those boxes up and sort the dries and nymphs back into the places they are supposed to be.  Time to take stock on leaders and tippets too.  You were running low on that 5X but that is ok because you weren't going to be fishing again for awhile.  Awhile is past and the streams are calling again.  

Were your waders possibly leaking last fall?  Spring stream waters are cold when they start seeping in.  Supply chain issues are much less of a problem than they have been for awhile.  We've got a store room full of new Simms and Orvis waders in a range of prices.  Boot selection is in good shape too.  

We are holding two Free Fly Tying Demonstrations this weekend.

Jayson Alexander will be tying Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm. We have known Jayson for many years. He is a graphic artist, who designs and sells fish stickers which we in turn sell to customers in the shop.

David Knapp will be demonstrating Sunday between 1 pm and 3 pm. David is a professional fly fishing guide. You may be familiar with his website, The Trout Zone. CLICK HERE to visit his website. Or, you may have fished with him. He worked in the shop while he was attending college. David is an expert fly anger and fly tyer. You will enjoy and learn much at his free demonstration.

You do not need a reservation to attend these free fly tying demonstrations. Just show up at the shop.

We are holding a Beginner Fly Tying Class Saturday February 18th starting at 9:00 am. Tools and materials will be furnished for you. The class is limited to 4 students. It will be taught by Brian Courtney, who has been teaching this class for many years. The cost of the class is $100. It will last all day. We will provide lunch for you. You will learn to tie 5 different flies and acquire the skills to tie many more similar patterns. Call the shop at 865-448-9459 to reserve your spot. If the class is full when you call, ask to be put on a waiting list in case there is a cancellation.

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

Daniel Drake
February 3, 2023

FREE FLY TYING DEMONSTRATIONS EACH WEEKEND THROUGH EARLY MARCH

We will be holding many free fly tying demonstrations on the weekends over the next two months, some on Saturdays and others on Sunday afternoons. CLICK HERE to see the list of fly tyers who will be demonstrating, including the dates and times. These demonstrations are free. No reservation is necessary. All you have to do is show up at the shop. This schedule could change due to unforeseeable circumstances, including weather conditions, sickness or other causes. Check this fishing report where any cancellations or changes will be posted.

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com