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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 5:16 am, the temperature outside is 63.7 degrees.
There is a slight chance for showers early today, with rain likely later with the possibility of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. The high temperature will be in the low to mid-80’s. The chance for rain continues every day through the week.
Scattered thunderstorms were active in the Smokies late yesterday. Paula and I could hear thunder over Cades Cove from our house, which is close by. All streams that have USGS gauge sites in the Park were affected somewhat by rain late yesterday.
Little River is flowing at 573 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.76 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 188 cfs. The water temperature is 59.2 degrees this morning.
Most rivers are flowing higher than they were yesterday morning at this time. They are all receding. None are what I would call “blown out” though some could be. You will find some that are flowing higher than many people prefer. You will find swift water in some rivers so be careful wading.
Nymphs and dry flies will work. Trout are feeding. The water temperatures are within their preferred range.
Dry fly choices should include Yellow Sally Stonefly, Yellow Stimulator, Yellow Neversink Caddis, Light Cahill or other Sulphur patterns. Good nymph choices include Pheasant Tail, Prince, Tellico, Hare’s Ear, Green Weenie, Pink Weenie and Squirmy Worm patterns.
Lowland rivers are flowing higher than normal. Wading may be limited in some rivers or areas in rivers. I would use nymphs or streamers for trout and the same for smallmouth bass. Poppers, hair bugs and foam floating flies may produce action from smallmouth bass and sunfish.
TVA and the Corps are generating at most dams today. They are sluicing at a couple of dams and spilling at one that I checked this morning. I did not look at each one so check the TVA website yourself to see if there are any discharge schedules you can work with. I did notice possible opportunities at the Caney Fork River in Middle Tennessee.
Lake fishing is good but you should go early or late today to avoid the sun and the hoard of boaters. There are a lot of people in boats and other watercraft on the lakes. The marinas and ramps are packed with people and boaters.
Visitation is very high in the Smokies. Traffic is fairly heavy in Townsend this weekend. Many are tourists from other states and local residents are out too. Things will calm down later today. Many visitors will be returning home. Others will be staying. Americans want to be outdoors.
Today we observe Memorial Day. Today we honor the military men and women who died defending America. Today we pray and remember those brave people who served and sacrificed for us. We should all be grateful for their service and honor them accordingly.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
May 25, 2020
Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com |
