1.) Not as cold today with sunny skies and a few passing clouds. I say go hit the trout stream, but hey that's just me. Water levels are fine, but they are all on their way down from the rain we received a few days ago. The water temps will be in the mid 40's to maybe 47-49, so the PH and dissolved oxygen is where it needs to be, which is perfect for the Brook Trout that are native to the southern Appalachians. The browns and rainbows will be pretty slow, so you still need to get that fly down to their feeding level (well, really, right in front of their noses). Use fine diameter leaders and tippets, as 6X sinks a lot faster than 3X....and too the water is clear. BWO nymphs, lightning bugs, Zug Bugs, PT nymphs, and small midge patterns have been doing well on most of the NC's streams. I would still consider fishing the trout laden tailwaters over in Tennessee. From what I've heard, the water is a little warmer, and the trout are in heaven. The Clinch, Hiwassee, Caney Fork, Holston, Watauga, and Cumberland have all been worthy of a fly cast or two. The freestoners are all pretty slow, but only because of the "still on the chilly side" water temps.