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Welcome to the Fishing Report from Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 4:55 am, the temperature is 66.7 degrees.

Showers are likely today and tonight. The rain could be heavy at times. We may get an inch or more. It will be warm today with a high temperature in the mid-70’s falling only to the upper 50’s tonight.

Little River is flowing at 144 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1.83 feet on the gauge. Median flow for this date is 146 cfs. The water temperature is 59.2 degrees this morning.

The rain predicted last night did not occur in the Smokies. All streams that have USGS gauge sites are flowing close to normal and at good fishing levels. That may change today and tonight, depending on how much rain we get in the mountains.

Fishing has been very good in the Smokies. Trout are taking dry flies and nymphs. Dry and dropper rigs are good choices. The heightened trout feeding activity is due to the excellent water temperatures. Fishing should be good through the weekend unless we get too much rain.

Lowland river fishing conditions are good thanks to the warm water temperatures and normal flows. Smallmouth bass and other lowland species are actively feeding. Nymphs and streamers will probably work best but you should also try top water flies. There is a chance the rain will cause the rivers to rise and become stained at some point today or tonight.

I checked the generation schedules at several area dams and did not find many wade fishing tailwater opportunities. The schedule at Norris Dam looks promising. See what you think by clicking the link below. If you are boat fishing, you will have more opportunities today.     

Lake fishing may be good today. From what I see, wind will not be an issue. It may be windy during thunderstorms. It will be overcast which is a benefit. There is a 90% chance you will get wet. Streamers and swimming nymphs should work. Try top water flies too.

It is Veterans Day. Today, we celebrate those of us who served America in the military. Thank you to all who did for your service. When I came of age, our country was fighting a war in Viet Nam. And, like many of my close friends, I chose the U.S. Army. That was a learning experience I will never forget. Mouse and I served in the same company. He is still one of my best friends. He is a fly fisherman. Bill was another Army buddy. He stayed in the Army and retired as a Major General. We still stay in touch. Bill told me a couple of years ago he took up fly fishing too, after he retired.

The fly tying department is in the process of being re-arranged, taking advantage of the new expansion space Jack and I built during the past few weeks. This has been a huge project, but mostly an enjoyable one.

I will never forget the day Jack and I hauled the materials up the fire escape, including 22 sheets of dry wall. That was a sunny and very hot day. The delivery guy from Anderson Lumber unloaded the materials from a truck using a fork lift. He asked me where I wanted him to put everything. I told him to place it on the second floor, in the hallway. He looked at me and smiled.

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

Byron Begley
November 11, 2020   

Respond to: byron@littleriveroutfitters.com