The Smoky Mountains received as much as 7″ of snow yesterday. There was 2″ at our house in Townsend, but you didn’t have to go very far into the mountains to see that there was far more at higher elevations. This will probably keep things pretty quiet on the streams this weekend as that snow melts and keeps water temperatures in the 30′s.

Thunderhead Mountain the crest of the West Prong of the Little River watershed

Don’t despair! There are several signs that spring is imminent. The first is that Monday is fishing license renewal day in Tennessee. Your 2009 fishing license will expire this Sunday. You can get your license at many sporting goods stores around the state or online.

Here are two more signs that spring is on the way…

A Quill Gordon

A Blue Wing Olive

Both of these insects were photographed along the stream only minutes inside the park from Townsend. The water was chilly and fish were not rising. They were eating nymphs exceptionally well though.

Get ready! The good GREAT fishing is only days away!