Mountains Receive Beneficial Rainfall Over the Weekend

As many of you probably know, the mountains received a much needed dose of rain over the weekend. Most places in the Smokies received at least an inch over the two days which will definitely help the stream levels for the upcoming holiday weekend. The northern mountains of TN and NC got a little more rain with some places receiving close to two inches. The water is in much better shape but we are still in need of more rainfall. Before this most recent rain, most streams in the smokies were lower than they were at this time last year. Here are some interesting numbers detailing the rainfall deficit from January 1, 2007:

Knoxville 51.8" 68.0" Normal
Cherokee 44.1" 60.6" Normal
Fontana 60.3" 82.2" Normal
Boone 42.8" 61.9" Normal

As you can see, we are in desperate need of a week long rain event. Rainfall totals for the year are much better than they were last year (although still behind), but the combination of the horribly dry year last year with another dry year back-to-back are leaving streams in bad shape. It looks as though it will take several years for the streams to catch back up and reach a normal level.

With water levels low and no immediate relief in sight, remember that stealth will most likely become the sword you live and die by. During times like this, concealing your presence from the fish will determine whether or not you have a successful day on the water.