Appalachians
Little River
Live Conditions
Little River — Above Townsend
7-Day Flow
↓ Falling
24-Hr Pressure
28.14 inHg · → High/stable
Voluntary Catch-and-Release Advisory
Water temperature is at or above 65°F. At these temperatures trout are physiologically stressed and have a higher post-release mortality rate. Consider waiting for cooler conditions — early morning or evening — or choosing a tailwater with regulated temperatures.
Local Weather
Tough conditions — fish deep
Today
☁️Overcast
83° / 68°
Tomorrow
🌧️Rain
82° / 70°
1.32"
Wed
🌦️Drizzle
83° / 70°
0.07"
Thu
⛈️Thunderstorm
81° / 67°
0.37"
Rain in forecast — expect rising, off-color water in 12–24 hrs.
Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min
What should I fish today?
⚡ AIAI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.
2
Time of Day
Using: 299 CFS · 68°F · Terrestrial peak — beetles especially productive in canopy water. Yellow Sally winding down. Sparse hatches midday — fish stay on attractor dries.
What should I pack?
Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Little River conditions.
🪰 Hatch Calendar
Little River · August · Late Summer
🟢 Active now at 68°F water
Select month
Terrestrial peak — beetles especially productive in canopy water. Yellow Sally winding down. Sparse hatches midday — fish stay on attractor dries.
🟢 Active · 🟡 Approaching · ⚪ Seasonal only
River Map
About Little River
The Little River through Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Townsend is arguably the most iconic trout stream in the Eastern US. Wild rainbow, brown, and native brook trout in a cathedral-like forest — the fly fishing equivalent of a pilgrimage.
Regulations
Great Smoky Mountains National Park regulations apply: artificial lures only, single hook only (no treble hooks), all brook trout must be released, minimum 7-inch size limit on rainbow and brown. National Park Service entrance fee required.
Learn More
Guides to help you fish Little River with more confidence.
Tennessee Fishing Regulations for Fly Anglers
Licenses, the Class L Trout Privilege, Tennessee's tiered water classifications (Put-and-Take, Catch-and-Release, Delayed Harvest, Trophy), TVA…
Trout Species of Tennessee
Tennessee's only native trout — the Southern Appalachian brook trout ("specs") — plus the introduced rainbows and browns that fill out the Watauga,…
How Barometric Pressure Affects Fishing (And How to Use It)
That gorgeous bluebird day after a cold front? Worst fishing of the year. Here's the data behind why pressure changes matter more than the weather…