1.) Here comes the rain today, sometimes heavy. There has been several heavy pockets of heavy rain across the Charlotte area as the day unfolded. Thunderstorms look to be possible later this evening through the early part of Saturday morning...say through 6-8. The rain has really helped in terms of the drought, and streams will be up a little once again (also dropping once again very quickly).

Here are a few selected USGS water flows for streams/rivers in NC.

• Davidson River (the D) @ Brevard NC...39 cfs
• French Broad River @ Rosman NC...84 cfs
• Tuckasegee River (the Tuck) @ Cullowhee NC...88 cfs
• Watauga River (the 'tauga) @ Sugar Grove NC...76 cfs
• Nantahala River @ Rainbow Springs NC...58 cfs
• South Fork of the New @ Jefferson NC...384 cfs ( average 344)
• Jacob Fork @ Ramsey NC...13 cfs (average 34)

To sum it all up, the water may be muddy in a few streams, but the water is higher, and the temps are optimum for the trout.

2.) After the rain clears use PT nymphs, Lightning Bugs, Copper Johns, and small BWO nymph (using BH's may be your best option, so that fly will stay on the bottom of the stream, where the trout are feeding at.) You may get away with a small adjustment in tippet sizes, but let me stress, I would not advise anything heavier than 4X, unless the water is low in clarity because of the mud. Stop by the nearest fly shop and ask about the rivers recommended in the area, and if they're worth putting those waders on.