1) 80's and abundant sunshine yesterday in some places, 50's and rain tomorrow. It's only temporary though, as we'll shoot back into the 70's and 80's just in time for a great weekend of fishing. From Murphy to Manteo, it's going to be one heck of a weekend. Tomorrow will be a good day to tie some flies, check the gear, clean line, patch waders, and the such. It doesn't look like tomorrow will be a total washout, with rainfall totals forecasted to be in the 1/4"-1/2" range. The rivers will rise, but, unless the rainfall totals are significantly higher, we won't have to worry about major flooding such as we saw last weekend. By Saturday, unless the forecast takes a 360 for the worst, we'll see low to mid 70s in the northern NC mountains (Boone, West Jefferson, Sparta). Upper 70's to around 80 for places such as Asheville, Brevard, Bryson City, and Robbinsville. SW NC, including the towns of Murphy, Andrews, and Franklin, shouldn't have any trouble reaching the low 80s Saturday. So, when it's in the 50s tomorrow, remember warmth is returning!

2) Right now, we're seeing plenty of bugs hatching across the western Carolinas. Dark Hendrickons, a host of caddis, stoneflies, and March Browns. Light Cahills will be hatching pretty soon, so if you're running low, it's time to fill that fly box! From here on out, we'll see increasing amounts of bugs.

3) Terrestrials? Late April? Say what? You heard right. Small black ants in sizes of 14-22 are working. In addition, I would throw some inchworms. Sure it might be a bit too early in some places, but, the fish know what they are. Tucker Horne, who is a member of the NC Fly Fishing Team, told me he had an epic day in the Smokies on inchworms. Nick Johnson, who is also a member of the NCFFT, said he's seen more inchworms this year. Could it be the weather? Could it just be an odd year in which they've decided to emerge in great numbers? Who knows. All I know is that the fish will have a buffet on their hands fins.

4) Another fly fishing legend has passed on. Bill Pate, regarded as one of the world's foremost big-game fly fisherman, passed away on Monday. Read the IGFA article here.