The Seasons Are in Motion

We’ve seen a dramatic shift in the weather over the past three weeks. As temperatures remained in the low 80’s through nearly half of October we wandered if and when we would ever break out the waders. Within just a few days the weather cooled dramatically. Now it’s November and I’m writing this from R&R World Headquarters in Townsend where the rain is coming down hard! A strong cold front is pushing through today and we will definitely see a hard frost by morning and the peaks of the Smokies will be covered with snow.

There is still some fall color but an front earlier in the week blew many leaves down. We’re definitely on the road toward winter now. Next week’s highs will be in the 40’s and we’ll be seeing overnight temperatures in the 20’s here in Townsend. Fishing will probably hold up in the afternoons for a few more weeks and any warm up will absolutely stimulate the fish in to feeding.

Water levels are still running high. Expect this to continue for the foreseeable future as the rain is coming down hard today and more is forecast for next week. This doesn’t mean the water is too high for fishing (although if might so pay attention), but it’s certainly much higher than we usually see in the autumn.

Our local tailwaters have been running water almost nonstop so only those with a boat even have an opportunity at those fish. Don’t despair, though, flows are higher than optimal even for floating anglers so you’re not missing much there. Up on the South Holston and Watauga flows are better for fishing than on the Clinch which has been well over 7000 cfs.

You can find fish under those conditions, but under 5000 is much better. The Watauga is undoubtedly the best tailwater for waders as flows there are the best you’ll find among the big river choices. The South Holston is primarily for floaters right now.

Get out there and enjoy your time on the water!