It’s certainly August. We’re finally starting to see 90 degree temperatures here in Townsend, TN but the water levels in the Smokies are still good and water temperatures are excellent. Pop up thunderstorms are forecast every day this week. That doesn’t necessarily mean it will rain everywhere on every day, but there’s a good chance it will rain somewhere over the mountains almost every day. We’re expecting water levels to remain good as a result.
Fishing was great over the weekend. Terrestrial fly patterns are always the most effective in August. Be sure to fish them when it’s sunny and hot. Their effectiveness takes a big hit when it’s cloudy or rainy. Tie on small nymphs or dry flies if the skies cloud up. Use bigger nymphs or streamers after a thunderstorm.
Upper elevation brook trout streams will be the best bet for August. Streamside temperatures will be in the low 80’s or even the 70’s and the fishing is always good in the summer.
It looks like TVA is beginning to draw down the reservoirs so that means there won’t be much opportunity to wade on our tailwaters. Anyone who wants to wade a tailwater should head to the Watauga. It’s the only river with wadeable conditions right now. Floating should be good on the South Holston and Hiwassee. The Clinch will fish for those stripping streamers on a sink tip.
