Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 5:27 am, the temperature is 27 degrees.

Today will be cloudy early becoming sunny later with a high temperature in the upper 50’s. It will be clear tonight with a low in the middle 30’s. Tomorrow will be sunny with a high in the upper 50’s and a low in the middle 30’s.

Little River is flowing at 505 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.66 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 391 cfs. The water temperature is 41.5 degrees this morning.

All streams in the mountains are flowing higher than normal but most are fishable. Care should be taken when wading. Some streams or areas in streams are still swift.

Water temperatures are below the trout’s preferred range. We will see the streams warm somewhat today and over the next few days. If you go today, wait a while until the streams begin to warm. Fishing will not be great but it will improve as the streams warm.

Plan on using weighted nymphs, tandem nymph rigs or streamers.

The water is chilly in the lowland rivers where trout are stocked. You will find somewhat swift water in most rivers. Wading may be limited where you are fishing. Stand in safe water casting weighted nymphs, rigs or streamers.

TVA and the Corps will be generating all day at some dams, with pauses planned at several other dams later today. Check the TVA website from the links below to see what tailwater options are available for you.

Beginning March 1, 2023, you will need to buy a parking pass to park your vehicle in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Annual parking passes are available now. You can buy them online or at certain visitors centers, including the center in Townsend. I heard they are out of the annual passes at the Townsend Visitors Center but more are expected soon. You can also buy all passes online. For more information, visit the Park’s website by CLICKING HERE.

David Knapp will be holding a Free Fly Tying Demonstration at the shop today between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. David is a full time professional fly fishing guide who specializes in fly fishing in the Smokies and on Tennessee tailwaters including the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam.

You will learn a lot from David and enjoy his presentation. You do not need a reservation. Just show up at the shop this afternoon.

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

Byron Begley
February 5, 2023  

 
Private Instruction Fly Fishing Classes will be offered by us again this year.  If you know someone that has been thinking about getting started and you don't want to be the one untangling their lines while they learn have them give the Shop a call.  Classes are small, limited to two people per instructor.  Our Beginner day consists of half day instruction at the Shop where they will learn casting, knot tying, theory....then in the afternoon the class moves to the stream for practical application of skills learned.  The investment is just $300 for one angler or $400 for two.  We have all the equipment needed.  All the student needs is a fishing license and to dress for the weather.  It is the perfect way to get started.  Call for more info! 865-448-9459.

We also have some more advanced learning options too.  Classes can focus on general nymphing tactics or even a more specific Euro style nymphing class.  Casting instruction for learning new skills like Double Haul or improving distance can also be done.

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.


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