Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:38 am, the temperature is 56 degrees.

Warm air has moved into the Smokies. We will enjoy high temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s this week.

There is a chance for showers today with a high temperature in the middle 60’s, dropping to the low 50’s tonight. Rain is likely tonight, with precipitation amounts between a quarter and a half of an inch. There is a chance for showers tomorrow with the high reaching the low to middle 60’s and a low around 50 degrees.

Much warmer weather is in store for us Wednesday and Thursday. Expect highs in the middle to upper 70’s.

Little River is flowing at 610 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.82 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 355 cfs. The water temperature is 46.9 degrees this morning, after reaching 48 degrees yesterday.

Streams in the mountains have receded to near normal though the water is higher and swifter than most anglers prefer. They will continue to recede today, then possibly rise tomorrow. Water temperatures are trending up and that will continue through the week.

Trout will be actively feeding this week due to the warming water. Aquatic insects will become more active as the week progresses. There is a good chance you will see sporadic Spring hatches this week. You may see blue wing olives, blue quills and possibly quill gordons on the water at times, especially later this week. Fishing will improve by the day unless rain spoils the fun.

If you go fishing in the mountains today, weighted nymphs or tandem nymph rigs are a good start. Be on the lookout for hatches that may occur. Be prepared with dry flies and emergers in your fly boxes that mimic the early Spring hatches. Trout may not be looking to the surface for food quite yet, but it is possible they will, especially later this week. Fish in the lower elevations where the water is warmer.

Fishing for stocked trout is improving. Wading may be limited in the lowland rivers but you can stand in safe water casting weighted nymphs or nymph rigs and you should do well.

TVA and the Corps will be generating all day at many of their dams. TVA will be sluicing all day at South Holston Dam. I did see a pause later today at Chatuge Dam. Check the TVA website to see if you can plan some time to fish on a local tailwater.

The long term weather forecast indicates we will enjoy warm days through March 6th. I see a couple of nights when temperatures will fall into the 30’s, but most nights may be warmer. Of course these long term forecasts can change.

There are other signs of the coming of Spring. We have seen a few wild turkey gobblers fanning and strutting around hens at our house. That is rare in February. There have been reports that bears are more active near our house, but we have not seen one so far this year. We are still feeding birds but bringing in the feeders at night. That may end soon.

What is happening now could be what fly fishing anglers who target trout have been waiting for. Or, we could get one more shot of Winter weather in early March.

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

Byron Begley
February 20, 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.  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.

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