We’re well into the month of July and water levels and temperatures have remained excellent in the Smokies. We haven’t seen the usual pattern of afternoon thunderstorms that pop up randomly over the mountains between 3:00 and 7:00. That has happened on some days but we’ve seen more organized rain systems drop precipitation over the region.
Excellent water conditions are persisting well into the summer this year
Weather has remained relatively mild in the Smokies while most of the South has been in the grip of a heat wave this summer. Morning temperatures in Townsend have been anywhere from 60 – 70 degrees while the tops of the mountains have been in the 40’s or 50’s. Even down low where the streams begin to transition into smallmouth bass and away from trout we’ve only seen afternoon water temperatures peak around 70 degrees. These are waters that will often remain above 70 in the summer months.
Stunning colors are pretty standard on our wild rainbow trout
Dry fly fishing is always effective here in the Smokies, but you may consider keeping nymphs as a part of your program. The deeper and swifter water seems to have many of the fish holding closer to bottom. That’s not to say dry fly fishing is ineffective. Summer in the Smokies is tailor made for dry fly fishing. Even so, the addition of a small nymph dropper could prove valuable.
This native brook trout took a small Stimulator dry fly
Summer is always a peak time for hike in fishing. Wet wading allows anglers to get further upstream without the necessity of wearing or carrying waders. There is a duality to summer fishing here. Roadside streams can be crowded at times with picnickers and swimmers along with other anglers. However, the backcountry fishing can be at its best since water temperature is often ideal for dry fly fishing in the low 60’s.
Be prepared for big boulders and tumbling waters if you hike in to the Smoky Mountain backcountry to fish
Be sure to pack a rain jacket, plenty of water and snacks. A small flashlight is also good to have in case you get caught out late. Long range forecasts show the temperatures rising a bit, but continuing wet weather should keep stream flows good.
A beautiful brown trout caught on a small beadhead nymph on a backcountry stream
