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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is cloudy and cool this morning. Fall is definitely feeling like it is on its way.

I was going to write that today will be cooler again. Then, while updating all the highs and lows on the chart below it turns out that most of the numbers went up a few degrees. Glenn always tells me, "what does the data say?" Well this data is saying that Fall is here.

There is a chance for rain in the forecast today but only a small amount. More rain is coming tomorrow through Friday. Depending on how much rain actually falls in the mountains it could make for high water this weekend.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PREDICTED HIGHS AND LOWS TODAY

The Little River is flowing at a good level this morning. The gauge is giving a reading of 1.74 feet or 134 c.f.s. This is higher than the daily normal of 79 c.f.s. Chuck had some folks out on the Private Instruction yesterday afternoon and said that the river was at a good level but it was a bit off color. The water temperature is a nice 67F.

Today is our best chance for fishing over the next several days. Rain will be moving in tomorrow and depending on how it falls it could raise water levels. Some our last rain events didn't amount to much but the weatherunderground forecast is calling for 100% chance. Play it by ear and see what comes. Sometimes, if you are ready for it, rising water can provide some excellent fishing. It can also be dangerous so be cautious.

Today I would be using a mix of dries and nymphs. Yellow Stimulators, Thunderheads, Parachute Adams and Smoky Mountain Candy could all be good choices. I would drop either a green weenie or an ant pattern behind it.

Nymphs have been working very well also. Rubberleg Pheasant Tails, Double Tungsten Stones, Pat's Rubberlegs, Prince Nymphs and Rob's Hellbender Nymphs are all good. Don't forget about the Squirmy Worms. Adding split shot will help to get the flies down to where the trout are.

Looking at the TVA website for the tailwaters it doesn't look like there is any chance for wade fishing today. All of the dams I checked were either generating or sluicing.

Fall is offically here. This weekend is the Townsend Fall Festival and Old Timers Day. The Blue Ribbon Country Fair is also going on down at the Heritage Center. Having to work every Saturday I don't get to attend but the Blue Ribbon Fair sounds like a fun time.

Speaking of fun times....Fly Tyers Weekend is only a month away. Saturday and Sunday October 27 & 28. Its FREE!!! so just stop by. At last count we have almost 50 tyers coming. There will also be someone showing how to make furled leaders. Mike Kesselring is going to be back with his extensive collection of flies. It is impressive to see all the varieties of flies he has collected over the years.

If you head to the river today keep an eye on water levels. Don't put off till tomorrow. You could miss out on some great time on the water. Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.

Daniel Drake
September 25, 2018

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com