Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 6:11 am, the temperature is 29 degrees.

Today will be partly sunny with a high temperature in the middle 60’s, dropping to the middle 40’s tonight. Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy with a slight chance for showers and a high in the middle 60’s. The low temperature tomorrow night is predicted to be in the low 50’s. Rain is likely Thursday and it will be breezy with a high in the middle 60’s and a low in the low 40’s.

Little River is flowing at 352 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.40 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 338 cfs. The water temperature is 43.2 degrees this morning.

Most streams in the Smokies are flowing right at normal today. Water temperatures are chilly this morning. The temperature outside is colder than was predicted yesterday. But, the streams should warm today and over the next couple of days.

Fishing will be best later today after the streams warm. Weighted nymphs or tandem nymph rigs are good choices. You might also try streamers.

Fishing for stocked trout in the lower elevations will improve as the water warms. Try weighted nymphs, nymph rigs or streamers.

Pauses in the generation are planned at several dams today, mostly in the afternoon. If you hope to fish on a tailwater today, check the TVA website, choose a river and plan accordingly.

We have been busy at the shop. February is normally a better month than January for us. Anglers are preparing for Spring fishing and they are doing that now. Fly tyers are filling their boxes, while waiting for the water temperatures to warm, kicking off the Spring fishing season. When the streams warm to about 50 degrees, the trout become active. The early aquatic insects begin their mating activity, offering trout more food. That can occur in late February. It has in some years. It is more likely to happen in March.

Cody Fischer will be conducting a Free Fly Tying Demonstration at the shop Saturday between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Cody owns Tellico Outfitters, a fly shop and guide service in Tellico Plains, Tennessee. I have heard he is an excellent fly tyer. You can also learn about his favorite streams in the Cherokee National Forest.

Bob Stephan will be tying Sunday from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. Bob is an excellent fly tyer, who loves to fish on the area tailwaters. He has been heavily involved in fly tying classes for years, held by the Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Project Healing Waters.

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

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

Byron Begley
February 7, 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