A snapshot at 4:00 from a NPS webcam located on the summit of 5,086 ft Purchase Knob in the Smokies.

1.) Chilly air is making it's way south into the Carolinas overnight tonight. Lows in the Piedmont will be down in the mid 30's with patchy frost likely (bring those plants in). Snow has been falling up in the mountains (mainly above 3,500 ft) during the latter part of last night into this morning. It's a little too early for snow, even on the higher peaks. It will gradually warm up as we progress into this week. By Wednesday, places like Boone will be in the upper 60's, possibly making it to 70. This definitely signals great fishing up in the high country.

2.) The fishing has been pretty good in western NC. If you can get past the cold, you should have a productive day. Look out for BWOs' in #16-22, along with small #20-28 midges. Stonefly nymphs in #8-12 have been working well, along with most generic nymphs (Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Hare's Ears, Red Fox Squirrel Nymphs). If you are more of a dry fly fisherman, Stimulators in sizes of 12-16 have been catching fish, along with a #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis or a #14-20 Para Adams. Don't hesitate to tie on a Pheasant Tail Nymph or a Copper John behind your dry of choice. Lastly, streamers (Zonkers, Buggers, Sculpins) will entice large spawning browns to eat. With that said, my Go-to fly right now would have to be a #14 pink San Juan Worm. They are highly visible to the fish and the angler and the fish seem to love 'em.

3.) We may hit a stream sometime next weekend or early next week. The Davidson River (The "D") may be the stream of choice, the Tuckaseegee or some DH water are also one of the choices. My Tennessee license/trout stamp expires next year...I need to get over to the South Holston/Watauga sometime during the winter.