We got anywhere from 2.5″ – 4″ of rainfall across the Smoky Mountains yesterday and stream levels are extremely high. In fact, virtually of the river gauges are showing record levels for this date.
We’re expecting some streams to be marginally fishable by tomorrow, but it will probably be the weekend before water levels aren’t too high. However, expect stream levels to hold and not fall out to normal levels for some time. Short days, cool temperatures, and the fact that most vegetation has shut down for the winter all combine to keep ground water levels strong.
This is good for the long term but tough to deal with in the short term. Fortunately we’ll have sunny weather and warm temperatures by the weekend. We’ll keep you posted on the water levels and hope to get out and do a little fishing ourselves once they drop.