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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:45 am, the temperature is 65.3 degrees.

Today will be partly sunny and warm with a high temperature in the middle to upper 80’s. We have a chance for rain today, and a greater chance for thunderstorms this afternoon. Conditions are good for afternoon thunderstorms every day this week.

Little River is flowing at 124 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.70 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 124 cfs. The water temperature is 66.7 degrees this morning.

Most streams in the mountains are flowing near normal, some slightly higher and others lower. Water temperature are warm in the lower elevations. Fish higher where the water is cooler. Look for water temperatures in the middle 60’s or cooler.  

Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs. They are looking for food as their metabolism is running in high gear. Terrestrial dries are good choices, including beetle and ant patterns. Yellow Sally Stonefly dries are a good choice. Green Weenies and small bead head nymphs will work for your sub-surface offerings. Your best option is probably a dry fly with a nymph dropper.

Water levels are typically low this time of the year. Stealth and presentation are essential to your success. Dress to blend with the forest and make sure you get a good drift. Fish the broken water where trout are hiding, in riffles, runs and plunge pools.

Most lowland rivers are flowing low, which is normal in late June. It may be overcast at times today which is beneficial. I would plan to fish early or late unless the river of your choice is shaded. Smallmouth bass and other species will be attracted to poppers and foam floating flies. Fish in the deeper pools and runs where the sun is off the water.

TVA and the Corps is continuing their typical generation patterns that we have seen lately, short periods of generation early, then longer periods in the afternoons. You can plan to fish several tailwaters today, based on the generation schedules.

The lakes will be crowded with recreation boaters. I would go early or late when there is less boat traffic and when the sun is off the water. It may be overcast at times today which is helpful. Winds will be calm. If you decide to fish late, you may encounter thunderstorms. Try poppers and foam floating flies. If they are not working, switch to streamers or swimming nymphs fished deeper and slow.

Trout Camp for young boys and girls ended yesterday. It is held at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute and on streams in the area. There were 14 attendees staying at Tremont in dorms, with Trout Unlimited adults teaching and running the show. Every year the camp is held, parents and grandparents pick up the kids at our store.
Will was an instructor, who stayed at the camp all week. He drove to work at the shop from the Institute, a shorter commute than usual. Will got his start in fly fishing at the camp years ago. He told me he is really looking forward to teaching and working at the camp next year.

These young people get almost a week of fly fishing, fly tying and aquatic life training right here in the Great Smoky Mountains. There was one camper who lives in Walland, just a few miles downstream from Townsend. Another flew here from California.

The name of the camp has been change to “John Thurman Smoky Mountain Trout Adventure Camp” in honor of John, who passed away last October. John was a driving force, at making this camp successful from the very beginning. The camp has been held for several years. I can’t remember how many.

CLICK HERE to visit the “About Trout Camp” web page to learn more.

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

Byron Begley
June 27, 2021

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com