The trout streams are back up, and are a lot better than yesterday's readings. Fly fishing will be prime over the next few days, so get out on the river and enjoy.

Here are the USGS water levels in NC.....

• Davidson River @ Brevard... 113 cfs
• Tuckasegee River @ Cullowhee...280 cfs
• Watauga River @ Sugar Grove...115 cfs
• Cataloochee Creek @ Cataloochee... 70 cfs
• Nantahala River @ Rainbow Springs... 177 cfs
• Oconaluftee River @ Birdtown... 488 cfs
• Linville River @ Nebo...76 cfs
• South Toe River @Celo...140 cfs

• Davidson River @ Brevard...38 cfs



• Tuckasegee River @ Cullowhee...313 cfs



• Watauga River @ Sugar Grove...58 cfs



• Cataloochee Creek @ Cataloochee... 26



• Nantahala River @ Rainbow Springs... 82 cfs
  


• Oconaluftee River @ Birdtown... 130 cfs



• Linville River @ Nebo... 60 cfs



• South Toe River @Celo... 67 cfs

Now, lets see what the flows reach by tomorrow... I'll post tomorow evening.

3.) This weekend looks very interesting. I just now was able to review the new model data, and the GFS, European, and Canadian models are suggesting a BIG snowstorm to roll on through the western Carolinas. Let me stress, way up in the air, and purely hype as of this post, but hey, good conversation starters around the water cooler/trout stream this week. NC is one of the if not the hardest place to predict snow with the mountains to the west, the ocean to the east, and the Gulf of Mexico a good ways off to the south. The Gulf is where most of our good snowstorms originate, and if there are strong thunderstorms associated with the cold front down along the Gulf states, the moisture transport is cut off, thus, less moisture and less snow. There are countless ingredients that all have to fall in line perfectly for snow to fall in the Piedmont. Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, the Plains states don't necessarily suffer from the same lack of snow as we do, because the geographic layout isn't as diverse. With that being said, let me ask you one question...what other state has a mountain region, a Piedmont, a coastal plain, and the ocean?

4.) More tomorrow after the Carolina-Greenbay game.

This are 5 great tips on preparing for Winter fly fishing by Kevin Howell--owner of Davidson River Outfitters, Pisgah Forest, NC.

5 Tips For Staying Warm on the River
by Kevin Howell of Davidson River Outfitters

Well, winter has finally arrived in the mountains; the fishing however is still decent. But you can get into real trouble, if you are not dressed properly. Here are some things that I do for winter fishing that will help you stay warm and safe.

1.) Dress in layers. this way you can take layers off as the day gets warmer and you will still be warm in the am.

2.) Wear fleece or wool. that way if you get wet they will retain your warmth.

3.) Always carry matches or a device to start a fire. I typically carry a railroad flare, even when wet it can start a fire. If you fall in the winter you have roughly half as long as the water temperature before hypothermia sets in. So if you or your fishing partner falls in, get out on the bank, start a fire to stay warm, and dry your clothes.

4.) Keep you head and hands warm. Most of the body’s heat is lost through the head, so wear a toboggan, watch cap, or Elmer Fudd Hat (bombers hat). Use fleece or wool gloves with only the fingers that you need to use cut out. Most people leave the stream because their hands are cold, a little preventative measure will enable you to fish that much longer!

5.) Keep your feet warm. wear heavy wool or fleece socks under neoprene boots, but be sure that they wick moisture away from your feet. If not, the moisture will make your feet cold. Also be sure to wear loose fitting boots, boots that are too tight will cut off the circulation to your feet resulting in cold feet.

1.) Panthers didn't pull it off yesterday....what can you do. I'm still a big fan, but it's games like this that don't exactly make you proud of being a Carolina fan. Sigh, maybe next Sunday when we play Green Bay. Oh yeah UNC Tar Heels lost BIG TIME to NC State Saturday. Score was41-10. Another sigh. They're currently sitting at 7-4. UNC's taking the 10 minute trip over to Durham from Chapel Hill to play Duke.

2.) It has been a dreary cool/cold day here in the Piedmont. A cold front is creeping into the area as I type and with it a pretty healthy amount of rain.... If we only had cold!! Speaking of cold and rain, the first half of December looks very interesting...I'm not going to go much farther...but, precip and cold air in December...a few bouts at some Wintry Precip here in the Carolinas possible. We'll see, as the GFS is almost always forecasting some unbelievably weird things 15 days out. Until the NAM and EURO agrees the GFS, it's all HYPE right now.

3.) Not much to report fishing wise, rivers will rise a little, nothing major, and maybe a few BWO's will hatch out, but given the cold temps, stick with those nymphs. BH nymphs won't hurt either, as you need to get the fly down to the trout's preferred feeding lane. Thanksgiving looks nice, temps will be on the chilly side, but sunny skies will allow for a decent day on the water. Just remember to layer up, and don't fall in.

4.) Everyone have a good day, and more tomorrow.