Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:45 am, the temperature is 70.3 degrees.
Scattered thunderstorms moved through the area yesterday morning and last night. During the 24 hour period, .43 inches of rain fell in Townsend, while the Knoxville Airport reported .83 inches.
Thunderstorms are likely today and each day through the weekend. It will be cooler, with high temperatures in the middle 80’s and lows at night in the upper 60’s. Heavy rain is possible today but more likely tomorrow through Monday. Localized flash flooding is possible each day according to the National Weather Service. Damaging winds are also possible during the period.
Little River is flowing at 228 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.08 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 134 cfs. The water temperature is 70.7 degrees this morning.
Most streams in the Smokies have responded to the rain we have had so far, though none of the streams are blown out. Tellico River is rising quickly this morning. Fishing in the mountains today and through the weekend will depend on how much rain we actually get.
Be aware that flash flooding is possible this weekend. Watch for stained or quickly rising water. If you see that, move to higher ground.
Trout are actively feeding in the higher elevations where the water is cooler. Dry flies and nymphs will work. Terrestrials are an important food source for the mountain dwelling trout right now. A good dry fly choice is a foam beetle. Drop a small weighted nymph or Green Weenie off your dry fly.
Some lowland rivers are running clear and at good fishing levels. Others may not be clear or flowing at good fishing levels. The thunderstorms are scattered. Some watersheds may not be affected. Others could be. Check the USGS gauges before going to help you plan. Smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish can be caught on streamers, nymphs, foam floating flies or poppers.
This is probably not a good day to be fishing on the lakes due to the likely thunderstorms and possible strong winds. I know for sure I would not go.
TVA and the Corps of Engineers will be generating at most dams beginning later this morning or early afternoon. You can squeeze in some fishing time early on many of the tailwaters. Check the TVA website from the links below to plan your tailwater fishing day.
Well, we’ll have to wait and see what the weather brings us this weekend. I am busy receiving a lot of fly tying orders that have arrived and placing next week’s orders. If the weather is as bad as they say it could be, the fly tying department will be busy.
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Byron Begley
July 29, 2022
Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com
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