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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is 70 this morning as the rises. Hot, dry weather will continue for the near future.
We have been in a long stretch of dry weather. Temperatures for the next week are still going to be in the 90's with overnight lows in 60's. Cool overnight temperatures are what keep the streams from getting too hot. They allow the water to cool and reset itself. This morning the Little River gauge is reading a water temp of 70F. Water will be cooler in higher elevations.
Water levels are low in the Little River drainage. This morning the flow is 1.36 feet or 41 c.f.s. Levels jumped up late yesterday after a thunderstorm in the mountains. The extra flow didn't last long and is back to a low level.
Streams on the North Carolina side of the Smokies seem to be higher and closer to normal flows. The Oconoluftee River in the Park can be a great stream to fish. It runs right next to the road so access is very easy. I have never had a day over there where it was crowded. If I really wanted to catch a brown trout, the Oconoluftee River is where I would head.
Fishing has been a bit slow due to the low water. Trout are spooky. You need to be extra stealthy. Look for water that is moving especially if it is just a little deeper. Anglers have been using a mix of dries and nymphs. Dries continue to be yellow patterns like Smoky Mountain Candy and yellow sally patterns. Terrestrials are a good way to go also. If you try a nymph, use a green weenie or even a pheasant tail.
Higher elevation streams will be cooler. A long hike can be tough when the weather is warm. Be sure to stay hydrated. Carry pleanty of water. I have a Grayl purifier bottle. It is perfect for fishing because I don't have to carry the weight of the water. When I'm thirsty I just have to scoop water from the creek, filter it and drink.
Byron is off today and fishing for smallmouth with Frontier Anglers. It is going to be hot out there on the river. I've seen some great pictures lately from Josh and Gary's recent trips. The smallmouth that they catch are fantastic.
If you head to the river today be careful of the heat. Late in the day keep an ear on the weather. Thunderstorms can pop up with no notice this time of year. Have fun though!
Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.
Daniel Drake
September 12, 2019
Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com |
