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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 5:21 am, the temperature outside is 45.0 degrees.
We have a chance for rain showers today, though significant rainfall amounts are not expected. The high temperature is predicted to be in the mid-50’s today, falling to the mid 30’s tonight. Tomorrow will be cooler, in the mid-40’s during the day and in the upper 20’s at night. Saturday and Sunday will be warmer, with no rain expected.
Little River is flowing at 722 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 3.01 feet on the flow gauge. Median flow for this date is 365 cfs. The water temperature is 47.8 degrees this morning.
Little Pigeon River is flowing at 1,570 cfs, 3.33 feet, which compares to median flow of 645 cfs.
At the Birdtown gauge, Oconaluftee River is flowing at 1,230 cfs, 2.78 feet, compared to median flow of 663 cfs. The water temperature is 46.9 degrees.
Tellico River is flowing at 851 cfs, 2.83 feet, compared to median flow of 331 cfs.
Cataloochee Creek is flowing at 337 cfs, 3.34 feet, compared to median flow of 155 cfs. The water temperature is 45.1 degrees.
The streams are slowly receding. Unless we get heavy rain today and tonight, which is unlikely, flows will be much better by the weekend.
If you go fishing in the Smokies today, watch your step and be careful wading. The streams are swift. I would plan on fishing near the bank in most spots, and high sticking nymph rigs. You might find some smaller streams with favorable flows.
A warming trend will begin Sunday and last through March 19th according to the long term weather forecast. We will enjoy highs in the 60’s with lows in the 50’s next week. The streams will warm, fishing will improve and aquatic insects will be active. Showers are expected off and on during the period. I see no mention of heavy rain, just the word “showers”.
TVA and the Corps are still pushing water through the dams today. They seem to be cutting back the flows lately. We are all hoping anglers will be fishing on the trout tailwaters soon. In most cases, the lake levels are considerably lower than they were last year at this time. That is very good news.
It is clearly obvious we have more visitors in Townsend, now that Cades Cove is open. The Cove was closed in January and February due to repairs being made on the Bote Mountain Tunnel. Businesses in Townsend had a tough Winter without our huge natural attraction. Now, that is behind us and everyone is thankful.
Our store is stocked and ready for Spring. Spring break is a game changer for the tourism business and that has begun. That is another reason we are seeing more traffic and visitors in town.
Walter Babb and Jack Gregory will be tying and talking at the shop Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm. This event is free. All you have to do is show up. You will learn so much and enjoy being with these guys. I know they will have a big turnout. They always do.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
March 5, 2020
Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com |