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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:24 am, the temperature is 56.7 degrees.
It will be warm and dry in the Tennessee Valley for several days. Expect a high temperature in the middle 80’s today with a low tonight in the middle to upper 50’s. Each day will be warmer through the weekend. We may hit 90 degrees by Monday.
Little River is flowing at 178 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.94 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 207 cfs. The water temperature is 61.0 degrees this morning.
Water levels are gradually falling in the Smokies though most streams are still flowing near normal for now. Water temperatures are rising and that trend will continue through the weekend and into next week.
Trout are taking dry flies, nymphs and about anything that resembles food. Their metabolism is in high gear and they are actively feeding. I would start with dry flies and stick with them. A Yellow Sally Stonefly, Elk Hair Caddis or small Yellow Stimulator will work. Fish the broken water where the trout are hiding. Dress to blend with the forest. Don’t let the trout see you and you will catch more.
I would fish the middle to high elevations for my own comfort during this very warm weekend. A hike into the backcountry would be perfect. Try the East Prong of Little River above Elkmont. Or, walk up Lynn Camp Prong for some brook trout fishing in a beautiful setting. There are many excellent choices to enjoy the Smokies and catch trout.
Fishing early or late will be best.
Lowland river fishing is good for smallmouth bass. They are active. Nymphs, streamers and possibly poppers or foam floating flies will work. Go early or late when the sun is off the water. Or, fish the shaded areas of these rivers during the day.
There are many angler friendly flows scheduled today for tailwater anglers who plan to wade. If you are boating, you have options too. Visit the TVA website from the links below to see what your options are.
Lake fishing is improving as the surface temperatures warm. Fish the rocky banks for smallmouth bass and the warmer areas with cover for largemouth bass. Bluegill and shellcrackers will be active in the warmer areas of the lakes. Go early or late when the sun is off the water and when there are less recreation boaters running around. Fish the shaded banks with streamers, swimming nymphs, poppers or foam floating flies.
I love fishing early on the lakes, launching our boat a daybreak and working the banks, this time of the year. When the sun is high, for me, it’s time to go home. When it is overcast, fishing is usually good all day long. And, there is always the possibility of schools of shad on the surface, with gamefish feeding on them just about anywhere in the open water.
We are blessed with many beautiful lakes in the area. There are nine of them. You can fish from your kayak, canoe or boat and enjoy a wonderful day on the water.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
May 21, 2021
Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com
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