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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. The fog is burning off to reveal a beautiful, sunny Fall day. This morning was a chilly 45F but the air will warm to almost 70 later on.

The weather forcast is dry and sunny for the next week. We should see some great fishing. The moon was bright and full last night which usually means slow fishing the next morning. I would give the streams a chance to warm in the mornings and hit the streams no earlier than 9.

Little River is flowing at 307 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 2.27 feet on the gauge. The daily normal is 74 c.f.s. The water temperature is 52 degrees.

Today's football game starts at noon which is early enough that most people won't have the chance to go the mountains before kick off. For those of you who would rather be in the stream that means less people.

Cool temperatures mean that you don't have to trudge into the backcountry if you don't feel up to the hike. There is good fishing roadside. Little River between Metcalf Bottoms and Elkmont Campground is a great stretch of river. There is a good mix of pocket water and pools. It is still best to concentrate on the more broken water. The Middle Prong of Little River is best along the gravel section.

Dry fly patterns are working well. Yellow Sally or any yellow stonefly patterns continue to produce well. Elk hair caddis are fishing well also. This time of year there is a large caddis fly called an October Caddis. It is a large bug in a cinnamon orange color. There isn't a large population of them so you are more likely to an individual here or there than to find a "hatch" of them. Orange Stimulators and Orange Doculators are good patterns for this fly.

Water levels are up and temperatures are cool. In these condtitions heavily weighted nymphs sunk to the bottom can be very effective. Try some Pat's Rubberlegs or one of the variety of Euro style nymphs we've got in the bins. If you aren't bumping the bottom add weight.

Byron has been very busy with the Fly Tying Department upstairs. It is arguably the best stocked anywhere. Downstairs we are making some changes too. We are buying more Umpqua brand flies now and next year. This means that the bins will be filled with new patterns and some patterns we haven't had in several years. There is many more euro nymphs and a greatly expanded collection of Yellow Sally patterns. We will be working tirelessly this winter to get them photographed and added to the website.

Fall is time for new gear. We recently got in the new Scott Centric rods which are the replacement for the Radian. TFO is coming out with two new rod series. The Blue Ribbon is their new moderate action trout rods. These are perfect for small and medium stream trout fishing. The LK Legacy is the replacement for the BVK. It is going to be a great all around rod.

In the Wader Department we will be getting in Miss Mayfly waders. These new waders are designed by a lady for ladies. The range of sizes will provide a good fit for almost any woman.

Have fun watching the game today or better yet head to the river and cast a line. Have a great day and thank you for being here with us.

Daniel Drake
October 3, 2020  

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com